Pentylene Glycol
Pentylene glycol is widely used in cosmetics and considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review at current use levels. It has low irritation potential and only rarely causes contact sensitivity.
What it is
1,2-pentanediol; a synthetic short-chain glycol used as a solvent, humectant, and antimicrobial.
Primarily a cosmetic humectant and preservative booster; not a typical food additive.
Why it's flagged
- rare contact sensitivity
What regulators actually say
"Pentylene glycol is safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics."
"Cosmetic products must be safe for human health when used under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted in cosmetics; not a food additive at commercial levels
European Union — EFSA
Cosmetic ingredient under EU Reg. 1223/2009
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