When talking about sustainable face creams and other skin care products for men, pentylene glycol is probably not the first thing that comes to mind - being often labelled as a harmful preservative.
However, the active ingredient is not even listed as a preservative as per the cosmetic regulations, as it has many benefits for the skin. Thus, for example, a face cream containing pentylene glycol can officially be labelled as "free of preservatives".
Pentylene glycol is produced from plant-based raw materials in a laboratory. The ingredient is a clear colourless liquid and is now found in a variety of skin care products such as face creams, body lotions, and cleansers.
Manufacturers like to use the ingredient as it is versatile with good skin compatibility.
This blog article looks at the properties and benefits of pentylene glycol, its safety and skin compatibility.
What is Pentylene Glycol?
Pentylene glycol is a humectant, so it helps the skin retain moisture for a long time. The clear, colourless liquid is a polyhydric alcohol that, in addition to being a humectant, can also be used as an emollient and solvent. In other words, it helps to hydrate the skin, keep it soft and also supports other ingredients in the skincare product to dissolve.
Within the dermis (middle layer of the skin), pentylene glycol helps stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen. This can reduce small wrinkles and lines on the surface of the skin - often referred to in the industry as anti-ageing.
In addition, pentylene glycol has the property of preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and mould - so it is also a preservative, making skincare last long.
Benefits of pentylene glycol for the skin:
Pentylene glycol has many uses for the skin:
In addition to its function as a preservative and solvent - both properties that are also enormously important for sustainable skin care - the active ingredient also directly benefits skin care:
- It keeps the skin hydrated by binding water in the upper layers of the skin, creating a moisture barrier that protects against dehydration and irritation. This improved hydration often leaves skin feeling rejuvenated and more radiant.
- Pentylene glycol can stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the dermis. Hyaluronic acid helps to bind moisture in the skin, while the protein collagen gives the skin its structure. Both properties can have a significant positive effect on the appearance of the skin.
- In addition, pentylene glycol is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin or even diseases. It can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin, which is beneficial for people with sensitive skin when using skincare products.
Compatibility:
Pentylene glycol is generally well tolerated by all skin types, so it is considered safe for use in skin care products. Irritation or allergic reactions are therefore unlikely, even with sensitive skin.
As always when trying a new skin care product, we recommend applying the product to a small area - for example, the calf or forearm - and waiting for the skin to react. This gives the time to react and avoids potential unpleasant redness in the face.
Pentylene glycol, by the way, is often used in baby or children's products because of its low irritating effect and good skin compatibility.
Sustainability:
Pentylene glycol is a synthetic ingredient that can be obtained from natural raw materials. The active ingredient is biodegradable and is not harmful to aquatic organisms.
However, it is always important to pay attention to the sustainability of the entire product as well as the brand. Certifications such as Leaping-Bunny or B-Corp can provide information on this - as can easy-to-use apps such as Codecheck or Yuka.
Conclusion:
Pentylene glycol is a versatile and commonly used ingredient in skincare that offers many benefits for the skin. It is a humectant, a preservative, a solvent and has many other beneficial properties, such as stimulating collagen production.
The active ingredient is considered safe and well tolerated by all skin types and has little impact on the environment. The biodegradable properties are particularly noteworthy.
Pentylene glycol is a true miracle worker in any skincare routine, not just Kluuf. However, for those who value uncomplicated care for men that is not only effective & sustainable, but also does good with every application, Pentylene Glycol can be found in the following Kluuf products:
Kluuf's face cream - buy here
Kluuf's body lotion - buy here
Kluuf's cleanser - buy here
