INCI Name: Propylene Glycol

Common Name: Propylene Glycol

Weak moisturiser that contains no water so used for making fizzy bath bombs

Please note: Mainly used in Bath Bombs because it does not contain any water.

That’s the only reason we stock it – all other humectants contain water and water would make the fizzy bath bomb ingredients start fizzing as soon as the humectants come into contact with the powders that make up the fizzy bath bomb.

Benefits

Product Benefits

Moisturises and nourishes dry skin by attracting environmental humidity; commonly used in creams and lotions for its moisturizing and texture-enhancing properties.
Suitable for eczema‑prone and psoriasis‑prone skin when used in leave‑on or rinse‑off products, and aids the formulation of skincare and cosmetic formulations by improving consistency and effectiveness.
Great for soothing the skin and helping reduce the appearance of redness in lightweight formulas.

Supports a calm and balanced complexion without leaving a sticky residue.
100 % water‑free, so it will not set off premature fizzing in bath bomb powders.
Versatile solvent for botanical extracts, essential oils, and flavour oils; suitable for use in cosmetics, including a wide range of formulations such as creams, lotions, and other skincare products.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and synthetically produced to a consistent cosmetic grade.

Product Description

Propylene Glycol is a clear, virtually odourless, and viscous liquid humectant prized for its ability to hold and deliver moisture without adding free water to a formulation. This anhydrous nature makes it the go‑to humectant for creating vibrant, fizzy bath bombs that stay dry and shelf‑stable until they hit the tub, helping to prevent premature fizzing by keeping the ingredients water-free and stable.

Propylene Glycol acts as a carrier for fragrance oils and active ingredients in various formulations, ensuring even distribution and effective delivery. Monopropylene glycol (MPG), often abbreviated as 'PG', refers to high-purity grades of propylene glycol suitable for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. In food applications, it is commonly used as a preservative and humectant to maintain freshness and prevent drying or degradation of products.

Beyond bath fizzies, Propylene Glycol is an industry‑standard moisturising agent, lubricant, and solvent in serums, toners, hair sprays, deodorants, and other formulations.

At low percentages, it draws ambient moisture to the skin’s surface, helping to keep dry or flaky areas feeling soft and comfortable. Its light, non‑greasy skin feel and excellent solvent power mean you can use it to incorporate tricky fragrance oils, active botanicals, or food‑grade flavours into both waterless and water‑based products. Vegetable glycerine is another common ingredient often used alongside propylene glycol in these liquids and blends, each offering unique benefits depending on the formulation.

Because it is completely water‑free, it will not trigger the citric acid–bicarbonate reaction that powers bath bombs. Formulators, therefore, add Propylene Glycol whenever they need humectant benefits in a powder blend that must remain inert until contact with bath water, helping to prevent unwanted reactions and maintain product stability.

How to use it

How to Use

Usage Rate: 0.5 % – 10 % in emulsions, gels, and spritzers; up to 15 % in bath bombs or anhydrous balms.
How to Incorporate:

1. Weigh into the water phase of an emulsion or toner and heat gently to 70 °C if required.
2. For anhydrous bases (bath bombs, sugar scrubs), drizzle in last and mix thoroughly until evenly dispersed.
3. Dissolve essential oils at a 4:1 Propylene Glycol to oil ratio, then add this blend to water‑based products.

Skin Care

Use in cleansers, bubble baths, facial washes, and hand washes. Excellent for all sensitive skin types.

Hair Care

Excellent for everyday shampoos to cleanse without stripping the scalp. Gentle for sensitive and irritated scalps.

INCI / Ingredients

INCI / Ingredients

INCI Name: Propylene Glycol

Origin: Synthetic (petro‑derived), Europe

Appearance: Clear, colourless, medium‑viscosity liquid

Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, and many oils; acts as a cosolvent.

The product is supplied in clear, recyclable bottles for convenience and quality assurance.

Storage & Shelf life

Storage & Shelf Life

Keep tightly closed, away from direct sunlight, and store at 15 – 25 °C.

Shelf Life: The expiration date is stamped on every bottle.

Why buy from Aromantic

Why Buy from Aromantic?

Aromantic sources cosmetic‑grade Propylene Glycol that meets EU and UK purity standards and also adheres to USP and EP quality standards for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use. Our global shipping means hobbyists and indie brands in over 100 countries can access professional materials without high minimums. We offer transparent, competitive prices for different quantities. We share thorough data but leave the formulation decisions to you.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Propylene Glycol safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, when used within recommended percentages, it is generally well tolerated and even suitable for eczema‑prone or psoriasis‑prone skin.

Will it make my bath bombs feel sticky?
No. In anhydrous recipes, it evaporates slowly, leaving a smooth, non‑tacky finish.

Can I substitute Glycerin?
Glycerin contains water and could start the fizzing reaction. Propylene Glycol is preferred for water‑free bath products.

Does this ingredient count as “natural” under COSMOS?
Propylene Glycol is synthetic, yet it is allowed in certain natural standards at low percentages; always check the latest certification rules.

Technical Documents

Here is a link to all non-batch-specific documents for this product: Link to Technical Documents

If you have any questions about the documents or need the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a product that you have received, please request that here.

Pairs well with

Related Products / Pair With

Anhydrous Citric Acid – Reacts with bicarbonate for vibrant bath fizz.

Bicarbonate of Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) – Classic pairing for bath bombs.

D‑Panthenol (Pro‑Vitamin B5) – Helps soothe and condition skin alongside Propylene Glycol.

Essential Oil Solubiliser – For clear, alcohol‑free sprays using Propylene Glycol as a co‑solvent.

INCI Name: Propylene Glycol

Common Name: Propylene Glycol

Weak moisturiser that contains no water so used for making fizzy bath bombs

Benefits

Product Benefits

Product Description

Product Description

How to use it

How to Use

Skin Care

Hair Care

INCI / Ingredients

INCI / Ingredients

Storage & Shelf life

Storage & Shelf Life

Why buy from Aromantic

Why Buy from Aromantic?

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Documents

Pairs well with

Related Products / Pair With

INCI / Ingredients

Storage & Shelf Life

Related Products / Pair With

Buy Bath Bomb and Soap Making Supplies

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Propylene Glycol