Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate

Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate is primarily an emollient/plasticizer used in low percentages to improve slip and film properties, and it is not an “active” with intentional exfoliating or keratolytic effects. While generally tolerated, benzoate esters can cause occasional irritant contact dermatitis in reactive or eczematous skin, particularly with leave-on exposure and cumulative barrier stress from the overall routine. Given the limited robust human patch-test data compared with more common emollients and the need to err on patient safety in compromised skin, a mild irritancy score is appropriate. Safety Notes: Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate is an aromatic benzoate ester used mainly as a plasticizer/solvent and fragrance fixative; in skincare it is most often present at very low levels (≈0.05–1%) as part of a fragrance/solvent system in leave-on lotions and creams. Higher levels are seen in niche OTC anhydrous fragrance oils, balm/oil formats, and some specialty emollient concentrates where benzoate esters can function as the primary solvent/emollient phase, reaching the low-to-mid teens (around 10–15%). This ingredient is uncommon in rinse-off cleansing products and, when used there, is typically at the low end due to solubility and sensorial constraints.