Common Name(s): Polyol alcohol,humectant co-solvent,skin conditioning diol

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides skin hydration from hydroxyl group water-binding, co-solvent dissolution of actives, and emollient conditioning.

Why It's Used: Polyols provide versatile multi-function — humectancy, solubilisation, and penetration enhancement — from a single ingredient type.

How It Works: Oh groups form h-bonds with water molecules providing hygroscopic moisture retention. alkyl chain length and branching determines lipophilicity and skin feel — short chain polyols (glycerol, bg) → humectant; long chain (c12+) → emollient.

Typically Found In: All formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Polyol selection based on mw and logp — low mw (<200 da), high hydrophilicity: surface humectant; medium chain glycols: co-solvent + penetration enhancer; long chain fatty alcohols: emollient.

Last Verified: Cosing database,ppg-4 jojoba alcohol polyol review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12