Propylene Glycol Laurate

Benefits
Softening

What is Propylene Glycol Laurate?

Propylene glycol laurate is a clear, oily liquid ester produced by combining propylene glycol, a simple alcohol, with lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid often sourced from coconut or palm oils. Primarily featured in rinse-off cleansers, shampoos, lotions, and creams, it serves multiple roles in cosmetic formulations. Chemically, it functions as a nonionic surfactant by reducing surface tension between oil and water, enabling effective dirt removal and stable blending of incompatible phases. As an emollient, it deposits a thin lubricating film on the skin, mimicking natural sebum to enhance slip and suppleness. Its skin conditioning properties help maintain barrier integrity during washing, while low comedogenic nature suits diverse skin types. Typically incorporated at low levels, it imparts a light feel without residue.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Softens and smooths skin surface for improved texture.

Emulsifies oil-water mixtures for stable, even product consistency.

Conditions skin mildly while aiding gentle cleansing as a surfactant.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with dry or rough skin needing softening emollients.
Those with known allergies to propylene glycol derivatives.
People using emulsions like lotions who benefit from stable textures.
People sensitive to fatty acid esters from coconut sources.
Users of cleansers preferring non-comedogenic surfactants.
Individuals preferring completely glycol-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard overall with minimal irritation reports.
  • Safe in typical cosmetic concentrations per expert reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Propylene Glycol Laurate

What does propylene glycol laurate do in skincare?

It acts as an emollient to soften skin, a surfactant for cleansing, and an emulsifier to blend product phases stably.

Is propylene glycol laurate safe for everyday use?

Yes, it's rated low hazard and safe in cosmetics at common levels, with rare irritation.

Does it clog pores?

No, its comedogenic rating is 0, making it unlikely to contribute to acne.