Propanediol

Propanediol suppliers and sourcing guide

Propanediol in cosmetics means 1,3-propanediol, a three-carbon diol that is a clear, low-odor liquid miscible with water. Most cosmetic propanediol is made by fermenting corn-derived glucose and then purifying the broth by filtration, ion exchange and distillation; petrochemical routes also exist. Brands buy it as a solvent and humectant, often as a bio-based alternative to propylene glycol or butylene glycol.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Cosmetic bases, emollients and surfactants
Also known as: 1,3-Propanediol · Trimethylene glycol · PDO · CAS 504-63-2
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of propanediol

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Bio-based cosmetic grade
Fermentation-derived 1,3-propanediol with high bio-based carbon content, often COSMOS-approved and sold for natural-positioned products.
Food / FCC grade
Grade made for food and flavor uses, sold with food-grade documentation.
Industrial / polymer grade
Grade made for polyester (PTT) production; not intended for cosmetics.
Non-GMO feedstock
Grades with documentation that the corn glucose feedstock is non-GMO, offered by some producers.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity: IR spectrum or GC retention time against a reference standard.
Assay: 1,3-Propanediol content by GC, usually 99.5% or higher.
Water: Karl Fischer titration.
Bio-based carbon content: Radiocarbon (ASTM D6866) result where a bio-based claim is made.
Color and odor: APHA color and odor check against a retained standard.
Heavy metals: Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, FCC or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store propanediol sealed in drums or totes at room temperature, away from moisture and strong oxidizers. Keep containers closed between uses because it absorbs water. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with a retest of assay, water and color to extend aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay, water and bio-based content for each lot, and keep the feedstock and non-GMO documents with the lot if the product label depends on them. Rotate FIFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

GRN 302, for 1,3-propanediol notified by DuPont Tate & Lyle BioProducts as a replacement for 1,2-propanediol in food, closed on Mar 05, 2010 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists trimethylene glycol (common name propanediol, CAS 504-63-2) with allowed topical purposes of solvent and viscosity decreasing agent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Propanediol suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking propanediol suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of propanediol can brands buy?

Common forms include bio-based cosmetic grade, food / FCC grade, industrial / polymer grade and non-GMO feedstock. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for propanediol include?

Expect identity, assay, water, bio-based carbon content, color and odor and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should propanediol be stored?

What is the regulatory status of propanediol?

GRN 302, for 1,3-propanediol notified by DuPont Tate & Lyle BioProducts as a replacement for 1,2-propanediol in food, closed on Mar 05, 2010 with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists trimethylene glycol (common name propanediol, CAS 504-63-2) with allowed topical purposes of solvent and viscosity decreasing agent.

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