Dipropylene glycol: All you need to Know
Dipropylene glycol is a liquid that is nearly odorless and entirely colorless. It has a high boiling point and a relatively low toxicity level. Dipropylene glycol comprises of three isometric chemical compounds; isomers are different combinations of chemical structures of a similar molecular formula.
Dipropylene glycol [DPG] is available in two different forms: industrial grade and fragrance grade. Industrial grade is identical in its chemical properties with less concern placed on odor. Fragrance grade, on the other hand, has an untraceable odor. Both of these grades can be found at any Dipropylene glycol supplier [CAS #25265-71-8].
Origin
Dipropylene glycol is a member of the glycol class of compounds. Glycol is a term used to describe any compound that belongs to the alcohol family. A glycol comprises of two hydroxyl groups attached to different carbon atoms.
Various types of compounds belong to this family; examples include polyethylene glycol, butylenes glycol, ethylene glycol, etc. Dipropylene glycol is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a masking agent, solvent, fragrance ingredient, and viscosity-decreasing agent. It can also be used as a plasticizer and an intermediate in industrial chemical reactions.
Uses of Dipropylene glycol
As a solvent, Dipropylene glycol helps to suspend or dissolve other ingredients in a formulation without chemically changing the other ingredients. DG allows for an even distribution of all ingredients in cosmetic formulation, and it also provides appropriate consistency for the ingredients.
Moreover, Dipropylene glycol has a high boiling point [230.5°C]. The larger the proportion of high boiling point solvents in cosmetic formulation, the slower the drying process.
Dipropylene glycol can be used to reduce formulations and decrease viscosity. The viscosity matches the concept of ‘thickness’. For example, honey is more viscous than water. Reducing the viscosity of a product makes it more spreadable when applied on the skin or hair. Solvents such as DG can also increase the efficacy of active ingredient in a product formulation by promoting their absorption on the skin.
Dipropylene glycol can also be used as a masking agent in personal products and cosmetics. A masking agent is used to camouflage the natural smell of the active ingredients that have an unpleasant smell. A masking agent can make a product smell so lovely that consumers think it is free from any fragrance.
Safety
If you research many members of the glycol family such as Dipropylene glycol, you will find that many sites warn consumers not to use them. These sites claim that the glycols can irritate and harm your skin. Through your research, you may even find that glycols are found in antifreeze.
Even though that is true, however, the glycol used in antifreeze is very different from Dipropylene glycol. Glycols are a wide class of chemicals, and they are not created equally. Although some of the glycols may be harmful in personal care products, research shows that Dipropylene glycol is safe and effective.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review [CIR] Expert Panel has assessed Dipropylene glycol safety. And through clinical tests, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Dipropylene glycol is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.