Pentylene Glycol

PENTYLENE GLYCOL

Pentylene Glycol is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient derived from renewable plant-based raw materials such as sugar cane. Also known as Hydrolite® 5 Green, this clear, low-odour liquid is widely used in personal care and cosmetic formulations to support hydration, improve texture, and enhance overall product performance.

Valued for its moisturising and antimicrobial properties, Pentylene Glycol helps improve the skin’s water-binding capability while supporting product stability within formulations. Used in everything from serums and lotions to shampoos, conditioners and bath products, it delivers a silky, lightweight feel without greasiness. It can also help improve the penetration and effectiveness of active ingredients.

Naturally derived and vegan friendly, Pentylene Glycol contains no GMO ingredients, petrochemicals, palm oil or animal-derived components. Available in small or bulk quantities, it can be purchased as a cosmetic raw material for DIY beauty recipes and the manufacture of skincare, haircare and wellness products.

• Pentylene Glycol is widely used in cosmetic formulations to help retain moisture, supporting smoother, more hydrated-looking skin.
• Valued for its lightweight, silky consistency, Pentylene Glycol enhances product texture without leaving a greasy or heavy finish on the skin or hair.
• Pentylene Glycol acts as a multifunctional ingredient within formulations, helping improve stability, consistency and overall product performance.
• Known for its antimicrobial properties, Pentylene Glycol can help support preservative systems and contribute to improved product freshness.
• Pentylene Glycol is commonly used to help boost the penetration and effectiveness of active ingredients within skincare and cosmetic products.
• Suitable for use in skincare, haircare and bath products, Pentylene Glycol is often included in serums, lotions, shampoos, conditioners and cleansers.
• Naturally derived from renewable plant-based sources such as sugar cane, Pentylene Glycol offers a more sustainable alternative to petrochemical-derived cosmetic ingredients.
• Pentylene Glycol is appreciated by formulators for its versatility, combining hydration support, texture enhancement and formulation stability in a single ingredient.  

Pentylene Glycol Key Benefits:

The most notable benefits of Pentylene Glycol are:

• 100% natural origin and plant derived
• Powerful humectant for long-lasting hydration
• Helps support skin hydration
• Improves product texture and consistency
• Lightweight; leaves a silky skin feel
• Helps enhance active ingredient performance
• Supports formulation stability
• Contains antimicrobial properties
• Can assist preservative systems
• Suitable for skincare and haircare formulations
• Commonly used in serums, lotions and shampoos
• Helps maintain product freshness
• Low odour and easy to formulate with
• Multifunctional cosmetic ingredient
• Suitable for DIY beauty and wellness products
• Vegan friendly and palm oil free

Pentylene Glycol Uses & Applications:

Popular uses for Pentylene Glycol in formulations and cosmetics are:

• Facial serums and moisturisers
• Lotions and creams
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Hair masks and treatments
• Bath and body products
• Facial mists and toners
• Balms and salves
• Sunscreens and SPF formulations
• Cleansers and face washes
• DIY skincare and cosmetic products

How to use Pentylene Glycol

To appreciate the many benefits of Pentylene Glycol, try one of our DIY remedies yourself at home:

• Facial serums: Create lightweight, hydrating facial serums with Pentylene Glycol to help improve skin feel, support moisture retention and enhance the performance of active ingredients.
• Lotions and creams: Add Pentylene Glycol to moisturisers and body lotions to help improve consistency, support hydration and deliver a silky, non-greasy finish.
• Shampoos and conditioners: Enhance haircare formulations with Pentylene Glycol to help maintain moisture, improve texture and support overall formulation performance.
• Facial mists and toners: Incorporate Pentylene Glycol into water-based toners and refreshing facial mists to support hydration and improve product stability.
• DIY skincare formulations: Pentylene Glycol is commonly used in homemade skincare and cosmetic recipes including serums, gels, cleansers and masks where improved hydration, texture and stability are desired. 

Things to consider when using Pentylene Glycol

• Pentylene Glycol is generally considered well tolerated in cosmetic formulations, though patch testing is recommended before first use, particularly for sensitive skin.
• We do not recommend taking Pentylene Glycol orally – use only as a raw ingredient for external applications.
• Store Pentylene Glycol out of the reach of children and animals.
• Always buy health and wellbeing products from a reputable supplier.