Common Name(s): 1,3-propanediol,zemea,bio-propanediol

CAS Number: 504-63-2

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides humectant and solvent functionality from sustainable corn-based fermentation as pg alternative.

Why It's Used: Bio-based propylene glycol alternative — provides equivalent functionality to propylene glycol from renewable corn with superior skin feel and 40% lower carbon footprint.

How It Works: Two oh groups provide humectant water binding. excellent solvent for fragrances, actives, preservatives. mild antimicrobial from diol. dupont tate & lyle zemea fermentation process. better skin feel than propylene glycol — less sticky.

Typically Found In: All cosmetic categories as pg alternative

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from corn sugar fermentation

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

Propanediol's dupont zemea process uses engineered e. coli to ferment corn sugar directly to 1,3-propanediol — one of the first commercially viable bio-fermentation routes to a cosmetic diol previously made only from petroleum, reducing carbon footprint approximately 40% vs petrochemical synthesis.

Last Verified: Cosing database,dupont zemea technical data,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12