A diol used for humectancy, solvent functions and support of some preservative systems.
Sources: 11,2-Pentanediol
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Pentylene Glycol
What it does
Contributes to hydration-related formula feel and can help dissolve or distribute other ingredients.
Sources: 1Good for
- Moisturizing formula textures
How to use it
Use the finished serum, cleanser or moisturizer as directed. This ingredient does not require a separate routine step.
Sources: 1Who should be careful
An assessed cosmetic use does not rule out irritation or allergy in an individual formulation.
Sources: 1Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Its hydroxyl groups interact with water while its carbon chain influences compatibility with other materials.
Sources: 1Potential adverse effects
Stinging or contact reactions are possible in an individual product; many other formula components can also be responsible.
Sources: 1Formulation considerations
Any preservation benefit must be verified in the whole product. Confirm that the material is the intended 1,2-pentanediol grade.
Sources: 1Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
No jurisdiction-specific assessment is recorded. An inventory listing is not blanket approval.
Names on ingredient lists
pentylene glycol
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 93000 | PubChem compound 93000: chemical identity |
| molecular formula | C5H12O2 | PubChem compound 93000: chemical identity |
| iupac name | pentane-1,2-diol | PubChem compound 93000: chemical identity |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (2)
Scientific sources
- CIR: Safety assessment of 1,2-glycolssafety assessment · 2012
- PubChem compound 93000: chemical identitychemical identity
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