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Propyl Alcohol
AKA “1-propanol, propanol, Propan-1-ol, n-propanol, n-Propyl alcohol, ethylcarbinol, optal, osmosol extra”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Propyl alcohol
AKA: 1-propanol, Propanol, Propan-1-ol, N-propanol, N-Propyl alcohol, Ethylcarbinol, Optal, Osmosol extra
Synthetic · Antifoaming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Solvent
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight alcohol that helps prevent foam and keeps product texture smooth and stable.
Solubility Miscible (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
C3H8O
Mol. Weight
60.10
CAS #
71-23-8
Form
Liquid
State
N-propanol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sharp musty odor like rubbing alcohol. Flash point 53-77 °F. Autoignites at 700 °F. Vapors are heavier than air and mildly irritate the eyes, nose
See origin →
Functions
Antifoaming
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Locks in moisture to keep skin soft and supple throughout the day
Boosts Collagen
Reduces foam
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Developed in the early 20th century as a synthetic alcohol. Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as a preservative and solvent; became particularly common in skincare formulations from the 1950s onward as an alternative to ethanol.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Mild Irritant
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Final amended report on safety assessment on aminomethyl propanol and aminomethyl propanediol.
Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Klaassen CD, Marks JG Jr et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2009
→
Extended Re-review Summary: Safety Assessment of Diisopropanolamine, Triisopropanolamine, Isopropanolamine, and Mixed Isopropanolamines
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Amended Report on the Safety Assessment of Aminomethyl Propanol and Aminomethyl Propanediol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Aminomethylpropanol and Aminomethylpropanediol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Diisopropanolamine, Triisopropanolamine, Isopropanolamine, and Mixed Isopropanolamine
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methoxyisopropanol and Methoxyisopropyl Acetate as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Aminomethyl Propanol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Isopropanolamine
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Isopropyl Alcohol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Methoxyisopropanol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Propyl Alcohol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Triisopropanolamine
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Final report on the safety assessment of methoxyisopropanol and methoxyisopropyl acetate as used in cosmetics.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2008
→
2-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Propanol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Aminomethyl Propanol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Diisopropanolamine
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Isopropanolamine
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Isopropyl Alcohol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Mixed Isopropanolamine
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Mixed Isopropanolamines
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Phenylpropanol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Propyl Alcohol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Triisopropanolamine
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
2-Methoxypropanol
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
Methoxyisopropanol
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
β-elemene Isopropanolamine Derivative LXX-8250 Induces Apoptosis Through Impairing Autophagic Flux via PFKFB4 Repression in Melanoma Cells.
Jalal S, Zhang T, Deng J, Wang J, Xu T et al.
Frontiers in pharmacology, 2022
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Antimicrobial activity of Butyl acetate, Ethyl acetate and Isopropyl alcohol on undesirable microorganisms in cosmetic products.
Lens C, Malet G, Cupferman S
International journal of cosmetic science, 2016
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Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of diisopropanolamine (DIPA) in rats following intravenous or dermal application.
Saghir SA, Frantz SW, Spence MW, Nolan RJ, Lowe ER et al.
Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 2007
→
Fragrance material review on 2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol.
Scognamiglio J, Jones L, Letizia CS, Api AM
Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 2012
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR