Ingredient dictionary

Propylene Carbonate

Propylene Carbonate is a clear, nearly odorless liquid that acts as a solvent. It helps other ingredients dissolve and blend into a smooth, even mix. It is on the label of 70 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Propylene Carbonate does

Dissolves ingredients that do not mix easily
Helps pigments and powders blend evenly
Keeps formulas smooth and uniform

Propylene carbonate is made by reacting propylene oxide with carbon dioxide. The result is a clear, nearly odorless liquid that evaporates slowly and stays stable in most formulas.

Formulators mainly use it as a solvent. It helps some ingredients dissolve and blend into one even mix, which is useful in color cosmetics and in products where pigments need to spread smoothly. Because it is thin and light, it adds little heaviness, and it is often found in deodorants, moisturizers, baby lotions, eyeshadows and lip glosses.

Good for

Suits formulas that need a solvent to blend pigments and other ingredients smoothly, including makeup and everyday body care.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is propylene carbonate safe in skincare?

It is widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered well tolerated at the levels used in products. As with any ingredient, people with very sensitive skin may react, so a patch test on a small area is a good idea before using a new product often.

Is propylene carbonate the same as propylene glycol?

No. Propylene glycol is a different ingredient, a common humectant that attracts water. Propylene carbonate is a solvent that helps ingredients blend. The names sound alike, but the two do different jobs.