Pentylene glycol
On the label: Pentylene Glycol · Solvent
What it is
A glycol humectant with mild antimicrobial action; helps preserve formulas sold as preservative-free.
Solvents: Solvents dissolve the other ingredients; water is the commonest, followed by alcohols and glycols.
Wikidata: Aliphatic diol compound. Q161557 →
In the research
21 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Contact Allergy and Allergic Contact Dermatitis From Propylene Glycol and Related Glycols: Cosmetic Skin Sensitisers After All? · Contact dermatitis, 2026
- Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidants for Cosmetic Applications Using Polyol-Based Technology · Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE, 2024
- Deciphering trends in replacing preservatives in cosmetics intended for infants and sensitive population · Scientific reports, 2024
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Products whose label lists it
1 on the siteMatched from the ingredient list the supplier printed; the position in the list (first or thirtieth) is on each product page.
Other solvents
Dew & Balm describes ingredients from the public record and makes no claim about what a product will do for you. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. If a product causes a reaction, stop using it; a reaction that spreads or affects breathing is a call to a doctor or 911.