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METHYLPROPANEDIOL

Last update on Jun 12, 2026

Methyl propanediol is a glycol and belongs to a class of compounds called alkane diols, which may replace other glycols like propylene or butylene glycol. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a solvent and has good antimicrobial properties. It is a clear and colorless liquid.

CAS Number: 2163-42-0Chem/IUPAC Name: 2-Methyl-1,3-propanediolEINECS/ELINCS No: 412-350-5COSING REF No: 78489

Products with METHYLPROPANEDIOL

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TRIKENOL™ PLUS

by Provital

INCI: METHYLPROPANEDIOL | 4-TERPINEOL | SALICYLIC ACID | SALIX ALBA BARK EXTRACT

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EXO FDS FolliXield

by INdermal by Nanovex Biotechnologies

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V3DS Sculpt

by INdermal by Nanovex Biotechnologies

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What is METHYLPROPANEDIOL used for?

Methyl propanediol majorly works as a solvent in cosmetics and personal care products.

Cosmetic products: It acts as a solvent and allows for the even distribution of other ingredients in a formulation for maximum product benefits. It can enhance the absorption of ingredients such as salicylic acid for better penetration and efficacy. It boosts the action of preservatives, which may help in using fewer or low-concentration preservatives in a cosmetic formulation
Skin care: It has mild hydrating properties that can leave a smooth, dewy finish on the skin. This helps to provide moisture, especially to aging skin which is more prone to transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Origin

Methylpropanediol is commercially synthesized from allyl alcohol from a two-step chemical reaction. The raw material propylene oxide is isomerized to allyl alcohol in the first step. Hydroformylation of allyl alcohol gives 4-hydroxybutanal (79%) and 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal (11%), and the last step comprises the hydrogenation of the n and iso intermediates to the corresponding diols.

What does METHYLPROPANEDIOL do in a formulation?

ANTIMICROBIAL|

PRESERVATIVE|

SOLVENT

Safety Profile

The Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated methylpropanediol along with other alkane diols and found that it did not cause irritation or sensitivity. Additionally, it is not known to be a toxin and is considered to be a safe ingredient that has no adverse side effects or warnings associated with its use.