What skin types is Pentylene Glycol good for?

Pentylene Glycol is suitable for all skin types.

What can you mix with Pentylene Glycol?

Pentylene Glycol works well with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Zinc PCA. These combinations are generally safe and can enhance results.

Is Pentylene Glycol safe to use every day?

Pentylene Glycol can generally be used morning and evening. Recommended concentration: 1–10% in formulations.

Pentylene Glycol

Pentylene Glycol

Also known as: 1,2-Pentanediol

HumectantPreservativeSolvent

“A lightweight humectant and preservative booster popular in modern serums.”

Skin types

All types

Pore-clogging

Non-comedogenic

Use when

AM & PM

Concentration

1–10%

What it does

Pentylene glycol is a diol used as a humectant, solvent, and preservative booster. It is lighter and less tacky than glycerin, with a more elegant skin feel. It is widely used in The Ordinary and other serums as both a moisturising agent and to enhance the antimicrobial system. It also improves the penetration of actives.

Benefits

Lightweight hydration without stickiness
Enhances preservative efficacy
Improves texture and spreadability of formulations
Good skin-feel — absorbed quickly

How to layer

☀️ Morning routine

Cleanser

Toner

Serum

Moisturiser

SPF

🌙 Evening routine

Cleanser

Toner

Serum

Moisturiser

Face Oil

After cleansing, on damp skin, before serums

Good for

All skinOily skinCombination skinNormal skin

Works well with

Niacinamide ›Hyaluronic Acid ›Zinc PCA ›

Heads up

⚠At very high concentrations may cause mild irritation on sensitive skin

How to use

A supporting ingredient in serums and moisturisers. No special application needed.

Typical concentration: 1–10% in formulations