Technical articles

Analysis of Structural Differences in Diols: Moisturization, Co-solvency, Skin Feel, and Formulation Selection for Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, and Medium- to Long-Chain 1,2-Alkanediols

1. Why Butylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol Perform Differently Although Both Are Diols

 

Butylene glycol and propylene glycol are commonly used in skincare products, cleansing products, and color cosmetics. They are often classified as humectants, but understanding these ingredients only from the perspective of “moisturization” underestimates their actual value in formulations. In cosmetic and personal care formulations, diols typically serve the following functions:

 

Functional Direction

Formulation Significance

Moisturization

Form hydrogen bonds with water and help maintain the water content of the stratum corneum

Solvent

Help fragrances, botanical extracts, certain active ingredients, or preservatives enter the formulation system

Skin-feel adjustment

Improve spreadability and reduce tackiness or a dry after-feel in certain systems

Stability support

Reduce precipitation, crystallization, or uneven dispersion of certain poorly soluble components

Preservation synergy

Work with the preservative system to improve the solubility or distribution of preservative components, modulate the microenvironment of the formulation system, and help enhance overall antimicrobial performance

 

This article mainly discusses why structurally similar diols can show different characteristics in moisturization, solubilization, skin feel, irritation potential, and preservation synergy.

 

2. The Common Basis of Diols: Two Hydroxyl Groups Determine Affinity for the Water Phase

 

2.1 Hydroxyl Groups Are the Structural Basis of Moisturizing and Solvent Functions

Butylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, pentylene glycol, and caprylyl glycol are all diols, each containing two hydroxyl groups in the molecule. Hydroxyl groups can form hydrogen bonds with water, so these ingredients generally have good water-phase compatibility and hygroscopicity. In formulations, diols help the stratum corneum maintain a certain level of hydration through moisture absorption and hydration effects.

 

The value of diols is not limited to moisturization. The two hydroxyl groups allow diols to enter the water phase, while the carbon chain in the molecule also gives them a certain degree of compatibility with some organic components. For example, in systems containing botanical extracts, fragrances, certain poorly soluble active ingredients, or preservative components, diols are often used as co-solvents.

 

2.2 Diols Are Different from Ethanol

When people see the word “alcohol,” they may easily think of ethanol. In fact, diols and ethanol differ in both structure and formulation function. Ethanol has only one hydroxyl group, is highly volatile, and is often used in systems requiring rapid evaporation, a cooling sensation, solubilization, or antimicrobial action. Diols such as butylene glycol and propylene glycol contain two hydroxyl groups and have lower volatility, so they are more commonly used for moisturization, solvent functions, skin-feel adjustment, and formulation stability.

 

3. How Structural Differences Determine Formulation Performance

 

The differences among diols mainly arise from three structural factors:

 Carbon chain length

 Position of hydroxyl groups

 Molecular size and polarity distribution

Together, these three factors determine the functional emphasis of diols in formulations.

 

Structural Factor

Variation

Influence on Formulation Performance

Number of hydroxyl groups

Two hydroxyl groups

Provides hygroscopicity, moisturization, water-phase compatibility, and co-solvent capacity

Position of hydroxyl groups

1,2-diols, 1,3-diols, etc.

Influences molecular polarity distribution, solubilization behavior, skin feel, and preservation-related applications

Carbon chain length

C3, C4, C5, C8, etc.

Influences hydrophilic/lipophilic balance, spreadability, and tackiness; in some 1,2-alkanediols, it also affects preservation-synergy value

Molecular size

Gradual increase in molecular weight

Influences volatility, solubilization behavior, interactions with the skin, and sensory profile

 

3.1 Carbon Chain Length Affects Hydrophilic/Lipophilic Balance

In diols, hydroxyl groups provide hydrophilicity, while the carbon chain provides an organic segment. Changes in carbon chain length alter the ratio between the hydrophilic portion and the organic segment within the molecule.

 

When the carbon chain is shorter, the molecule as a whole is more hydrophilic and is usually more suitable for basic moisturization, co-solvency, and water-phase system applications. As the carbon chain length increases, the proportion of the organic segment increases, and the balance between hydrophilicity and lipophilicity changes. As a result, formulation performance may extend from basic moisturization and co-solvency to spreadability, skin-feel adjustment, and support for preservative systems. However, a longer carbon chain does not necessarily mean better performance. If the carbon chain is too long, water-phase compatibility may decrease, and formulation stability and application suitability often need to be improved through blending or combination strategies.

 

3.2 Hydroxyl Group Position Affects Polarity Distribution and Interaction Patterns

For diols that both contain two hydroxyl groups, different hydroxyl positions result in different molecular polarity distributions. In 1,2-diols, the two hydroxyl groups are located on adjacent carbon atoms, creating a localized concentration of polarity. In 1,3-diols, the hydroxyl groups are farther apart, resulting in a different pattern of polarity distribution. This difference affects how diols interact with water, oil-phase components, active ingredients, preservatives, and components of the stratum corneum.

 

Therefore, diol selection should not be based only on molecular formula or carbon number. Even with the same carbon number, differences in hydroxyl group position may lead to differences in solubilization performance, skin feel, and application positioning.

 

3.3 Molecular Size Affects Volatility, Solubilization Behavior, and Sensory Profile

Molecular size affects the volatility, system compatibility, and sensory profile of diols. In general, as molecular weight increases, volatility tends to decrease, and the after-application residue, spreadability, and continuous film-like feel may change.

 

However, skin penetration, irritation potential, and tolerance cannot be judged solely by molecular weight. They are also affected by molecular polarity, lipid/water partitioning, dosage level, product format, contact time, skin barrier condition, and other formulation components.

 

4. Core Differences Between Butylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol

 

4.1 Basic Structural Comparison

 

Item

Propylene Glycol

Butylene Glycol

English name

Propylene Glycol

Butylene Glycol

Common structure

1,2-Propanediol

1,3-Butanediol

Molecular formula

C3H8O2

C4H10O2

Molecular weight

76.09

90.12

Structural characteristics

Smaller molecule with stronger hydrophilicity

Longer carbon chain, with a more balanced relationship between hydrophilicity and the organic segment

Main functional tendency

Basic moisturization, co-solvency, and cost advantage

Balanced moisturization, co-solvency, spreadability, and sensory profile

 

4.2 Propylene Glycol: Cost Advantage and Mature Co-solvent Applications

Propylene glycol is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products as well as topical preparations. It is commonly used as a humectant, solvent, fragrance carrier, and viscosity-related auxiliary ingredient. Its advantages are mainly reflected in three aspects.

 

 Mature cost and supply chain. For basic skincare products, cleansing products, body care products, and some scalp care products, propylene glycol can provide relatively stable moisturizing and co-solvent effects while offering good cost-control advantages.

 Mature co-solvent applications. Propylene glycol can help certain fragrances, botanical extracts, preservatives, and small-molecule functional ingredients better enter the water phase, reducing precipitation, turbidity, or uneven dispersion.

 A strong research foundation in topical preparations. Propylene glycol is commonly used in ointments, gels, and topical liquid preparations as a solvent or penetration-enhancing auxiliary ingredient.

 

4.3 Butylene Glycol: A Better Balance Among Moisturization, Co-solvency, and Skin Feel

The advantage of butylene glycol lies in its ability to achieve a good balance among moisturization, co-solvency, and sensory performance. In leave-on skincare products, butylene glycol is often used to improve spreadability, reduce the tackiness caused by high levels of glycerin, and lessen the dry or astringent after-feel of watery formulas or gels after drying. This helps the product form a smoother and more uniform sensory profile after application.

 

Butylene glycol can also act as a co-solvent, helping certain active ingredients, fragrances, or preservative components disperse more uniformly in the system. Compared with propylene glycol, it is often used as an option for improving the skin feel of leave-on products, reducing the need for high levels of propylene glycol, or optimizing skin tolerance.

 

4.4 Butylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol Cannot Be Simply Substituted at Equal Amounts

Both butylene glycol and propylene glycol are small-molecule diols, and both can provide moisturization, co-solvency, and skin-feel adjustment. However, because they differ in carbon chain length, hydroxyl group position, and molecular polarity, direct one-to-one substitution may change the performance of the entire formulation.

 

Comparison Item

Propylene Glycol

Butylene Glycol

Possible Impact During Substitution

Structural characteristics

C3 diol, commonly 1,2-propanediol

C4 diol, commonly 1,3-butanediol

Differences in carbon chain length and hydroxyl group position may affect hydrophilic/lipophilic balance and solvent performance

Water-phase compatibility

Strong hydrophilicity, suitable for water-phase co-solvent systems

Still has good water-phase compatibility, while the organic segment accounts for a higher proportion

Substitution may affect the solubilization state of active ingredients, preservatives, or fragrances

Co-solvent capacity

Commonly used to improve the solubility and dispersion of certain components in the water phase

Can balance co-solvency and sensory performance

Formula transparency, precipitation risk, and low-temperature stability may change

Skin feel

At high use levels or in certain product formats or application areas, it may cause tackiness or irritation, depending on dosage and the overall system

Commonly used in leave-on products to improve spreadability and reduce tackiness

Slip, residue, and after-dry skin feel may change after substitution

Irritation risk

Requires attention in high-use levels, occlusive use, compromised skin barrier conditions, or eye-area products

Commonly used in leave-on products that emphasize comfort and may serve as an option for tolerance optimization, but still requires whole-formula verification

Mildness cannot be judged solely by the ingredient name; concentration and human testing should also be considered

Impact on preservative system

May affect preservative solubility and the state of the water phase

May also affect the solubility, dispersion, and microenvironment of preservative components

Preservative challenge test results may change after substitution

Cost and supply

Offers advantages in cost control and supply-chain maturity

Usually more expensive than propylene glycol

Overall formulation cost and product positioning need to be evaluated during substitution

 

5. The Reference Role of Related Ingredients in Diol Selection

 

1,3-propanediol, pentylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, and glycerin can serve as reference ingredients to help establish a selection framework for diols. Among them, 1,3-propanediol is used to observe differences caused by hydroxyl group position; pentylene glycol is used to observe functional transition; caprylyl glycol is used to observe the application direction of long-chain diols; and glycerin is used as a reference for the trade-off between moisturizing strength and skin feel.

 

Ingredient

Structural Positioning

Reference Value

Formulation Selection Insight

1,3-Propanediol

C3 diol, with hydroxyl groups at the 1,3 positions

Forms an isomeric comparison with 1,2-propanediol

With the same molecular formula, differences in hydroxyl group position can affect skin feel, co-solvent performance, and application positioning

Pentylene glycol

C5 diol, commonly 1,2-pentanediol

Positioned between moisturizing/co-solvent diols and preservation-synergistic diols

Can be used for moisturization, co-solvency, skin-feel adjustment, and preservative-system support

Caprylyl glycol

C8 diol, commonly 1,2-octanediol

Represents the application direction of long-chain 1,2-alkanediols

Commonly used in low-level combinations, preservation synergy, and skin-feel adjustment systems

Glycerin

Triol and classic strong humectant

Serves as a moisturizing reference that is not a diol

Used to compare the trade-off between strong moisturization and tackiness

 

5.1 1,3-Propanediol: A Reference for Differences in Hydroxyl Group Position

1,3-propanediol and 1,2-propanediol have the same molecular formula, C3H8O2, but their hydroxyl groups are located in different positions. This difference affects molecular polarity distribution, hydrogen-bonding behavior, and formulation performance. In cosmetic and personal care formulations, 1,3-propanediol is commonly used for moisturization, co-solvency, and skin-feel improvement, and is also often associated with bio-based or renewable sourcing. However, the source attribute does not automatically mean that it is safe. Practical use still needs to be evaluated based on purity, dosage, product format, and whole-formula testing.

 

5.2 Pentylene Glycol: A Transitional Ingredient Between Moisturizing Co-solvency and Preservation Support

In addition to moisturization and co-solvency, pentylene glycol is also commonly used as a preservative-system auxiliary. While maintaining water-phase compatibility, it can improve the solubility, dispersion, or distribution of certain preservative components and participate in preservative-system support by modulating the microenvironment of the formulation system. In high-water systems such as serums, emulsions, and masks, pentylene glycol can be combined with conventional preservatives, preservative boosters, or other polyols to balance moisturization, skin feel, and preservative-system performance.

 

5.3 Caprylyl Glycol: A Preservation-Synergy Reference for Long-Chain Diols

Caprylyl glycol is a long-chain 1,2-alkanediol. Its water-phase compatibility, lipophilicity, and blending requirements differ from those of short-chain diols. It is usually not used as the primary humectant, but instead participates in preservation synergy, skin-feel adjustment, and system stabilization. In actual formulations, caprylyl glycol is commonly used together with phenoxyethanol, organic acid preservatives, or other preservative boosters to improve the overall performance of the preservative system. Its application value mainly lies in preservative-system support and skin-feel adjustment in leave-on products.

 

5.4 Glycerin: A Reference for the Trade-off Between Moisturizing Strength and Skin Feel

Glycerin is not a diol but a triol. It has clear hygroscopic and moisturizing effects and is a classic water-phase humectant in cosmetic and personal care formulations. A high level of glycerin can enhance moisturization, but may also bring tackiness, heaviness, or drag. Diols such as butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and 1,3-propanediol are often combined with glycerin to balance moisturization, co-solvency, and sensory performance.

 

6. Diol Selection Method

 

Product Objective

Selection Direction

Key Verification Indicators

Basic moisturization and cost control

Propylene glycol and glycerin; butylene glycol may be added according to skin-feel needs

Tackiness, hygroscopicity, low-temperature stability, and overall cost

Skin-feel optimization for leave-on products

Butylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, and pentylene glycol

Spreadability, after-absorption residue, after-dry astringency, and human sensory evaluation

Co-solvency for active ingredients or fragrances

Propylene glycol and butylene glycol; other co-solvents may be screened in combination

Transparency, precipitation, crystallization, odor release, and low-temperature storage stability

Preservation support in high-water systems

Pentylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, and caprylyl glycol used with compliant preservatives

Preservative challenge testing, pH stability, and preservative solubility

Sensitive-skin, eye-area, or repair-oriented products

Butylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, and other combinations involved in irritation-risk management

Patch testing, stinging evaluation, and tolerance on skin with a compromised barrier

Skin-feel adjustment in high-glycerin systems

Glycerin combined with butylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, or pentylene glycol

Tackiness, drag, film-like feel, and long-lasting moisturization

 

7. Common Misjudgments and Corrections

 

7.1 Misjudgment 1: Butylene Glycol Is Always Better Than Propylene Glycol

Butylene glycol has application value in improving spreadability, reducing tackiness, and enhancing the sensory profile of leave-on products. However, propylene glycol still has clear advantages in cost, supply chain, co-solvent applications, and research in topical preparations. Propylene glycol is suitable for systems that prioritize cost, co-solvency, and mature applications; butylene glycol is suitable for leave-on systems with higher requirements for spreadability, sensory performance, and irritation-risk management.

 

7.2 Misjudgment 2: Propylene Glycol Is Simply an Irritating Ingredient

The irritation risk of propylene glycol is related to dosage, product type, occlusive conditions, application area, and skin barrier condition. It should not be judged directly outside the context of the overall formulation. At reasonable concentrations and in appropriate product formats, propylene glycol can be used safely. In eye-area products, sensitive-skin products, products used on compromised skin barriers, or high-frequency-use products, irritation risk should be reduced through concentration control, combination design, and whole-formula testing.

 

7.3 Misjudgment 3: Diols Are Only Humectants

Diols affect not only moisturization, but also solubilization state, transparency, odor release, skin feel, viscosity, preservative systems, and stability. In formulations, diols should be regarded as water-phase functional modifiers rather than single-purpose humectants.

 

7.4 Misjudgment 4: Diols of the Same Category Can Be Substituted at Equal Amounts

Belonging to the same category of diols does not mean that they can be directly substituted at equal amounts. Differences in carbon chain length, hydroxyl group position, molecular size, and polarity distribution can all change the performance of the entire formulation. After substituting one diol for another, the solubilization state, skin feel, viscosity, stability, preservative challenge performance, and irritation risk should be reverified.

 

8. Representative Chemical Products Related to Structural Changes in Diols, Moisturization, Skin Feel, and Formulation Selection

 

Table 1. Basic Moisturizing and Co-solvent Polyols

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Specification or Purity

Product Features and Applications

Basic moisturizing and co-solvent diol

107-88-0

B119672

1,3-Butanediol

Anhydrous grade, ≥99%

A representative C4 diol that can be used to study the effects of increased carbon chain length on moisturization, co-solvency, spreadability, and the skin feel of leave-on products; suitable for formulation screening in water-phase systems such as serums, emulsions, and masks.

Basic moisturizing and co-solvent diol

57-55-6

P103430

1,2-Propanediol

AR, ≥99%

A representative C3 diol with moisturization, co-solvency, and water-phase system compatibility; suitable for comparative studies of propylene glycol and butylene glycol in terms of solubilizing capacity, skin feel, irritation risk, and cost control.

Structural isomer reference diol

504-63-2

P108208

1,3-Propanediol

≥98%

A C3 structural isomer diol that can be used to compare the effects of hydroxyl group position on polarity distribution, moisturization, co-solvency, and skin feel; suitable for studies on bio-based diols and water-phase moisturizing systems.

Branched co-solvent diol

2163-42-0

M141411

2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol

≥98%

A branched C4 diol that can be used to study the effects of branched structure on solvency, volatility, spreadability, and water-phase compatibility; suitable for co-solvent combinations and skin-feel adjustment experiments.

Moisturizing reference polyol

56-81-5

G755728

Glycerin

Anhydrous grade, UltraBio™, molecular biology grade, ≥99.5% (GC)

A triol moisturizing reference material that can be used to compare differences between highly hygroscopic humectants and diols in tackiness, long-lasting moisturization, and blended sensory profile; suitable for evaluation of water-phase moisturizing systems.

Moisturizing reference polyol

50-70-4

D274374

D-Sorbitol

High purity, ≥99%

A polyol moisturizing reference material that can be used to study the effects of a polyhydroxy structure on hygroscopicity, water-phase stability, and the viscosity of moisturizing systems; suitable for humectant blending and water-phase stability experiments.

 

Table 2. Structural Isomers, Branched Diols, and Ether Co-solvents

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Specification or Purity

Product Features and Applications

Butanediol isomer

584-03-2

B153217

1,2-Butanediol

≥98% (GC)

A structural isomer of butanediol that can be used to compare differences between 1,2-diols and 1,3-diols in polarity distribution, co-solvent capacity, and preservation-synergy direction; suitable for structure–performance relationship studies.

Butanediol isomer

513-85-9

B103428

2,3-Butanediol (mixture of stereoisomers)

≥98%

A mixture of butanediol stereoisomers that can be used to study the effects of hydroxyl group position and stereochemical structure on water-phase compatibility, solvent behavior, and formulation stability; suitable for isomer comparison experiments.

Branched co-solvent diol

107-41-5

M108565

2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD)

≥99%

A branched diol that can be used to study the effects of branched structure on co-solvency, viscosity adjustment, spreadability, and system stability; suitable for water-phase solvent systems and active-ingredient dispersion experiments.

Ether co-solvent

25265-71-8

D105105

Dipropylene Glycol (mixture of isomers) (DPG)

≥99%

An ether co-solvent that can be used to study the solubilization and dispersion of fragrances, active ingredients, and preservative components; suitable for co-solvent screening, fragrance carriers, and water-phase system stability experiments.

Ether solubilizer

111-90-0

D104410

Ethoxydiglycol (DEGMEE)

≥99%

An ether solubilizing ingredient that can be used to study the solubility of poorly soluble active ingredients, fragrances, and functional small molecules; suitable for topical preparations, water-phase co-solvency, and transdermal-related model experiments.

 

Table 3. 1,2-Alkanediols and Preservation-Synergy Related Ingredients

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Specification or Purity

Product Features and Applications

Preservation-synergistic 1,2-alkanediol

5343-92-0

P108068

1,2-Pentanediol

≥98%

A C5 1,2-alkanediol that can be used to study the effects of carbon chain extension on moisturization, co-solvency, preservation synergy, and skin-feel adjustment; suitable for preservative-system support and formulation screening in serums and emulsions.

Preservation-synergistic 1,2-alkanediol

6920-22-5

H108067

1,2-Hexanediol

≥98%

A C6 1,2-alkanediol that can be used for studies on preservation synergy, moisturization, and water-phase system stability; suitable for preservative combinations, sensitive-skin formulations, and leave-on product experiments.

Preservation-synergistic 1,2-alkanediol

3710-31-4

H156868

1,2-Heptanediol

≥98%

A C7 1,2-alkanediol that can be used to study the effects of carbon chain length on hydrophilic/lipophilic balance, the antimicrobial environment, and skin-feel adjustment; suitable for alkanediol structure-gradient experiments.

Preservation-synergistic 1,2-alkanediol

1117-86-8

O108069

1,2-Octanediol

≥96%

A C8 1,2-alkanediol that can be used for studies on preservation synergy, skin-feel adjustment, and low-use-level combination systems; suitable for evaluating the functions of caprylyl glycol-type ingredients in moisturizing and preservative systems.

Long-chain 1,2-alkanediol

42789-13-9

N159707

1,2-Nonanediol

≥95%

A C9 1,2-alkanediol that can be used to study the effects of long-carbon-chain diols on water-phase compatibility, preservation synergy, and system stability; suitable for alkanediol structure-gradient screening.

Long-chain 1,2-alkanediol

1119-86-4

D154360

1,2-Decanediol

≥98%

A C10 1,2-alkanediol that can be used to study the effects of long-chain structure on preservation synergy, lipophilicity, and blending stability; suitable for experiments combining long-chain diols with preservatives.

Long-chain 1,2-alkanediol

1119-87-5

D156002

1,2-Dodecanediol

≥93% (GC)

A C12 1,2-alkanediol that can be used to study the antimicrobial, antifungal, and system-compatibility properties of long-carbon-chain diols; suitable for structure–performance evaluation of long-chain preservation-synergistic ingredients.

 

Table 4. Preservative-System Auxiliaries, Aromatic Alcohols, and Supporting Functional Ingredients

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Specification or Purity

Product Features and Applications

Aromatic alcohol preservative-supporting ingredient

100-51-6

B163018

Benzyl Alcohol

Pharmaceutical grade, PharmPure™

An aromatic alcohol ingredient that can be used in studies on preservation, solvent systems, and fragrance-related systems; suitable for polyol preservation-synergy combinations, antimicrobial systems, and topical formulation experiments.

Aromatic alcohol preservative-supporting ingredient

60-12-8

P108197

2-Phenylethanol

≥99% (GC)

An aromatic alcohol ingredient with both fragrance characteristics and preservative-supporting application value; suitable for fragrance systems, preservation-synergy combinations, and odor stability studies in leave-on products.

Preservative and solvent-type supporting ingredient

122-99-6

E109370

Phenoxyethanol

≥99%

A commonly used preservative and solvent-type ingredient that can form combination systems with diols and preservative boosters; suitable for preservative challenge testing, co-solvent screening, and preservative-system stability experiments.

Hydroxamic acid preservation-synergistic ingredient

7377-03-9

O123988

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

≥99%

A hydroxamic acid preservation-synergistic ingredient that can participate in antimicrobial system design through metal ion chelation; suitable for polyol combinations, preservative challenge testing, and preservative-system support studies.

Glyceride preservation-synergistic ingredient

26402-26-6

M1516128

Glyceryl Monocaprylate (GMC)

≥98%, Monoacylglycerol + Diacylglycerol + Triacylglycerol

A glyceride preservation-synergistic ingredient that also provides skin-feel adjustment and emulsification-support value; suitable for combination experiments involving polyols, preservatives, and surfactant systems.

Glyceryl ether preservation-synergistic ingredient

70445-33-9

E156476

3-(2-Ethylhexyloxy)-1,2-propanediol

≥98% (GC)

A glyceryl ether preservative booster that can be used in studies on preservative enhancement, moisturization, and skin-feel adjustment; suitable for preservative-system experiments in combination with octanediol, pentanediol, phenoxyethanol, and related ingredients.

Aromatic ketone preservative-system auxiliary

99-93-4

H102969

4-Hydroxyacetophenone

≥98%

An aromatic ketone preservative-system auxiliary with both antioxidant and formulation-stability support value; suitable for polyol combinations, preservative-system optimization, and soothing water-phase formulation studies.

 

Note: The products listed above are representative Aladdin research reagents and formulation-screening products. They are intended for structure–performance studies, preliminary formulation screening, or laboratory evaluation, and do not represent a direct recommendation for use as cosmetic production inputs. For actual commercial formulations, the requirements of the target-market regulations should be considered, and the raw material grade, supplier qualification, COA/SDS, impurity control, restricted-use or permitted-use requirements should be confirmed. Stability testing, preservative challenge testing, and safety assessment should also be completed. For more product specifications, grades, and COA information, please search by “product name/CAS/catalog number” on the Aladdin website.

 

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Categories: Technical articles

Da — when not otherwise indicated, molecular weight units are daltons.   Mw — weight-average molecular weight.   Mn — number-average molecular weight.

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Cite this article

Aladdin Scientific. "Analysis of Structural Differences in Diols: Moisturization, Co-solvency, Skin Feel, and Formulation Selection for Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, and Medium- to Long-Chain 1,2-Alkanediols" Aladdin Knowledge Base, updated Jul 1, 2026. https://staging.aladdinsci.com/us_en/faqs/analysis-of-structural-differences-in-diols-en.html
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