Propylene Glycol Laurate

Propylene Glycol Laurate is a surfactant/emollient ester used in cleansers and as a solubilizer/emulsifier, typically at low single‑digit percentages, where it can disrupt barrier lipids more than simple emollients. While not a classic high-rate allergen, surfactant-type ingredients show measurable irritancy in patch testing and can sting or provoke flares in eczema-prone or compromised skin, especially in leave-on products or when combined with other irritants. Given sensitive-skin safety considerations and cumulative routine exposure, it warrants a mild irritancy rating. Safety Notes: Propylene Glycol Laurate is used commercially as a lipophilic emollient/skin-feel modifier and solubilizer/coupling agent, so it appears at very low levels (~0.05–0.5%) in leave-on serums/lotions and cleansing products to aid solubilization and reduce tack. In consumer-available products where it functions as a primary emollient or co-surfactant (e.g., cleansing oils, makeup removers, anhydrous balms, and some high-slip body products), it is seen in the mid-to-high single digits and can reach ~10–15% in high-emolliency OTC formulations; higher levels are uncommon due to sensorial, viscosity, and phase-behavior constraints rather than specific regulatory limits.