Tripropylene Glycol
Solvent and active carrier. Functional formulation ingredient with no standalone activity on the skin.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
About this ingredient
Tripropylene Glycol is a propylene glycol trimer. Liquid, odourless, hygroscopic. Used as a solvent for fat-soluble actives, fragrance carrier, and defoamer. Mechanism. A functional component without standalone skin activity. Helps dissolve and stabilise other actives in the aqueous phase. Where applied. Creams, lotions, deodorants, hair products. Use levels in finished formulas: 0.1-3%. Less common in leave-on cosmetics since the 2010s, when some brands replaced propylene glycol over 'PG-free' marketing. Evidence base. Functional ingredient with no specific RCTs. CIR confirmed the safety of the whole propylene-glycol and trimer family in 2010. Safety. Sensitises no more often than monomer propylene glycol (a contact allergen in 2-3% of the population per NACDG 2018). Patients with PG reactions may show cross-reactivity – patch testing is required. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Usable without restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tripropylene Glycol safe during pregnancy?
Tripropylene Glycol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What is Tripropylene Glycol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Solvent and active carrier.
What's the INCI name for Tripropylene Glycol?
The INCI name is Tripropylene Glycol.
See Tripropylene Glycol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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