Beauty followers are paying more and more attention to cosmetic ingredients. With the trend of “understanding to be beautiful”, Paula’s Choice believes that any customer can become their own dermatologist. We do not hesitate to share 100% of the product’s ingredient list, and bring you the most reliable and scientific information. In the following article, Beauty & Style will show the concept and effects of Methylpropanediol – the ingredient that is receiving a lot of curiosity recently. Let’s see!
1. What is the composition of Methylpropanediol
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic ingredient that functions as a solvent, scientifically known as 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol. When in its raw form, the ingredient is liquid and transparent in color.
It is a member of the group of compounds known as alkane diols and includes ingredients such as Butyl Ethyl Propanediol, Decanediol, Butanediol. Methylpropanediol is a hydrated ingredient (unless the molecule is too large) and is available in liquid or crystalline form.
During a review circa June 2018, experts from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel recognized Methylpropanediol as a safe, approved ingredient for use in all cosmetic formulations.
There are many people wondering about the safety of Methylpropanediol when used in skin care products. However, according to the EWG safety rating scale from 1 to 10 (1 is the safest level and 10 is the most dangerous), Methylpropanediol is at level 1.
Regarding the effect of Methylpropanediol , this ingredient is often used to hydrate and moisturize, without leaving a sticky or greasy condition on the skin. Besides, Methylpropanediol will help enhance the effectiveness of preservatives and reduce the number of preservatives that need to be used in the same formulation.
2. General review of Methylpropanediol
Before analyzing more closely about the mechanism of action and effects of Methylpropanediol , you can get an overview of this ingredient through the following comments:
- Pros: Like every other solvent, it’s the key ingredient that ties all the ingredients in a formula together, a must-have in every skin care product. Besides, it also has the effect of moisturizing, moisturizing, preserving the formula in the best state, avoiding maximum formula change.
- Cons: Like any other skin care ingredient, Methylpropanediol can also be irritating to certain skin types.
- For: Methylpropanediol is intended for all skin types, except those with contraindications to using this ingredient.
- Combinability: Methylpropanediol works effectively with all other skin care ingredients.
- Precautions for use: There have not been any studies showing problems to be aware of when using products containing this ingredient.
3. The effects of Methylpropanediol in cosmetics
To help you better understand the effects of Methylpropanediol and have the most objective view of this ingredient when it comes to skin care products, here are some of the benefits it can offer:
3.1. Solvent
Methylpropanediol is used mainly in skin care products in particular and in cosmetics in general as a solvent. This solvent will help dissolve other ingredients such as water, oil, fatty alcohol or silicone compounds. At the same time, as a solvent, Methylpropanediol will also help the other ingredients to be evenly distributed in the formula so that all ingredients are spread evenly on the skin after application.
3.2. Penetration enhancer
Methylpropanediol has also been studied and proven to enhance penetration of some other ingredients, especially Salicylic Acid. That’s why Paula’s Choice has also chosen Methylpropanediol in many BHA-containing exfoliating products. This can help boost the effectiveness of the “key” active ingredients in the product better on the skin.
3.3. Boost hydration
Methylpropanediol also has mild moisturizing properties for the skin. Hydration is an important part of any healthy skin. As we age, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture, making it easier for the skin to lose water through the epidermis or TEWL (the loss of water from the skin into the air in the form of vapors, which usually occurs in dry environments). , when the skin is damaged or as we age). Methylpropanediol in cosmetic chemical products will somewhat limit this problem.
3.4. Antimicrobial
Many people believe that preservatives should not be included in products applied to the skin. In fact, this is an indispensable ingredient to make a comprehensive formula. There have been studies and certifications of preservatives that are allowed to be used without causing any irritation or sensitization. This helps the product to be stable during use, avoiding bacteria and mold from entering and minimizing oxidation.
In particular, Methylpropanediol will help enhance the formulation stability of other preservatives, allowing less preservatives to be used and somewhat better for extremely sensitive skin.
Methylpropanediol enhances the preservative activity of other preservatives used in the product. This can allow for fewer preservatives as well as fewer preservatives to be used. This can be good for sensitive skin types as some preservatives can irritate the skin.
4. Methylpropanediol in Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
There are many questions sent to Paula’s Choice about the problem that Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant product causes stickiness on oily and combination skin, especially in the summer. To answer this question, the following information will be needed for you:
- There are usually very few studies on ingredients that enhance penetration in cosmetics, mainly R&D experience when formulating, judgments based on molecular structure, or internal studies that are not publicly available.
- However, for Methylpropanediol, scientific evidence has shown the ability to enhance the penetration of active ingredients such as Salicylic Acid thanks to the small molecular size and 2 hydroxy groups, similar to propylene glycol, butylene glycol
- This molecular structure of Methylpropanediol can act and create temporary changes to the lipid membrane, allowing Salicylic Acid to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. And as mentioned, Methylpropanediol is quite water-retaining and has a very low irritant potential even at very high concentrations (at 100% Methylpropanediol concentration and applied on irritated skin continuously for 14 days). No signs of irritation were observed.)
Therefore, you can be assured of the effectiveness and safety of Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. In case it feels sticky, you can reduce the amount of product per application, apply with a cotton pad, or wait about 15 to 20 minutes before moving on to the next skincare step or experimenting with other BHA formulations that work. with more skin.
Above is information about the composition of Methylpropanediol and the effects of Methylpropanediol in skin care products.
