Shop now

Home / Glossary / Propylene glycol

What Is Propylene Glycol Doing in My Serum?

A humectant and solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and spread, and adds a little hydration of its own.

On the label

Propylene glycol, sometimes propanediol as a plant derived alternative. Common in serums and toners.

What it does not mean

It does not mean antifreeze in any meaningful sense, whatever the internet says. Cosmetic grade in cosmetic amounts is one of the more studied ingredients there is.

Related terms

Read next

See the Silka set