Product Overview
1,3-Propanediol (Zemea) is a high-purity, plant-derived multi-functional ingredient valued for its moisturizing, solvent, and formulation-enhancing properties. Supplied as a clear, colourless, water-soluble liquid with low odour, 1,3-Propanediol is a versatile alternative to traditional glycols in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care formulations.
As a proven humectant, 1,3-Propanediol helps attract and retain moisture while improving the spreadability and sensory feel of lotions, creams, serums, cleansers, shampoos, and conditioners. It also serves as an effective solvent and carrier for active ingredients, botanical extracts, fragrances, and other formulation components, supporting consistent delivery and dispersion throughout water-based and anhydrous formulations. With excellent compatibility with water and many organic ingredients, 1,3-Propanediol is suited for both rinse-off and leave-on personal care products, including natural and clean-label formulations served by EZ Elements.
Why It Is a Go-To Multifunctional Formulation Ingredient
- Effective humectant: 1,3-Propanediol attracts and retains moisture, helping to maintain soft, hydrated skin and hair.
- Improves spreadability and sensory feel: Enhances the texture, absorption, and overall sensory experience of creams, lotions, serums, shampoos, and conditioners.
- Versatile solvent and carrier: Dissolves and carries active ingredients, botanical extracts, fragrances, and other formulation components, improving their delivery throughout the formula.
- Water and organic compatibility: Mixes readily with water and many organic ingredients, supporting the development of a wide range of water-based and anhydrous formulations.
- Clean-label and plant-derived: Suitable for natural, clean-label, and sustainable personal care formulations seeking multi-functional performance without synthetic alternatives.
Key Features & Benefits
- Clear, colourless, water-soluble liquid with low odour and high purity (≥99.8%).
- Excellent humectant properties: attracts and retains moisture for soft, smooth skin and hair.
- Enhances the spreadability, absorption, and sensory properties of personal care formulations.
- Functions as a solvent and carrier for active ingredients, botanical extracts, and fragrances.
- Compatible with water and many organic ingredients, supporting flexible formulation design.
- Plant-derived and suitable for natural and clean-label product development.
- Stable under normal storage conditions with a shelf life of two years from production date.
Applications
1,3-Propanediol is used across a wide range of personal care and cosmetic formulations served by EZ Elements.
Skincare Formulations
- Moisturizers, serums, and essences for hydration and sensory enhancement
- Gentle cleansers, facial toners, and makeup removers
- Anti-ageing formulations, eye creams, and specialised treatment products
Haircare Products
- Shampoos and conditioners for moisture and texture improvement
- Leave-in treatments, hair serums, and styling products
- Colour-safe and speciality hair care formulations
Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Body lotions, creams, and moisturisers
- Hand sanitisers and hand care formulations
- Lip balms, foundations, and other cosmetic products requiring humectant properties
Technical Specifications
The following table presents the established general product specifications for 1,3-Propanediol. These are product-level parameters and do not change from batch to batch within normal specification limits.
| Property | Specification |
| INCI Name | Propanediol |
| CAS No. | 504-63-2 |
| Purity (1,3-Propanediol) | Greater than or equal to 99.8% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Odour | Slight |
| Water Content | Less than or equal to 1000 ppm |
| Flash Point | 125–135 degrees Celsius (Cleveland Open Cup) |
| Solubility | Completely soluble in water |
| Chemical Structure | C3H8O2 |
| Stability | Chemically stable under normal conditions. Shelf life: two years from production date when stored appropriately. |
Why Choose EZ Elements as Your Supplier
EZ Elements supplies 1,3-Propanediol with batch-level documentation and consistency, supporting skincare, hair-care, personal care, and cosmetic formulators across Canada.
- Full documentation including Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA), and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Verified purity (≥99.8%) and consistent batch quality backed by laboratory analysis
- Available in a range of package sizes (500 ml to 20 L)
- Technical support to help confirm the right use level and formulation approach for your application
Safety and Regulatory Notes
Please review the full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling or formulating with 1,3-Propanediol. The points below summarise the key considerations.
- Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture under GHS (Globally Harmonised System) classification.
- Treat symptomatically and supportively if ingestion occurs. Do not induce vomiting.
- Flush eyes with water as a precaution if contact occurs. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Wash skin with soap and water as a precaution after contact.
- Store in properly labelled containers in accordance with applicable local regulations. Stable under normal conditions.
- Keep away from strong oxidising agents during storage.
- Complete handling, first aid, and disposal instructions are provided in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from EZ Elements.
- Please review the full SDS before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is 1,3-Propanediol used for in skincare and hair-care?
1,3-Propanediol functions as a humectant, helping attract and retain moisture in the skin and hair. It also improves spreadability and the sensory feel of lotions, creams, serums, shampoos, and conditioners. As a solvent and carrier, it enhances the delivery of active ingredients and fragrances throughout formulations.
Q2: Is 1,3-Propanediol soluble in water?
Yes. 1,3-Propanediol is completely soluble in water, making it a versatile ingredient for water-based formulations. It is also compatible with many organic ingredients, allowing flexibility in formulation design.
Q3: Can 1,3-Propanediol be used in natural or clean-label personal care products?
Yes. 1,3-Propanediol is plant-derived and suitable for natural and clean-label formulations seeking multi-functional performance without synthetic glycol alternatives. It is increasingly used by formulators developing sustainable and ingredient-conscious personal care products.
Q4: What is the shelf life of 1,3-Propanediol?
When stored appropriately in properly labelled containers under normal conditions, 1,3-Propanediol has a shelf life of two years from the production date. The batch Certificate of Analysis will specify the exact production and expiry dates for your shipment.
Q5: Is 1,3-Propanediol classified as a hazardous substance?
No. 1,3-Propanediol is not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture under GHS (Globally Harmonised System) classification. However, the full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be reviewed for handling and first aid information.
Q6: How should 1,3-Propanediol be stored?
Store 1,3-Propanediol in properly labelled containers in accordance with applicable local regulations. Keep in a cool location and away from strong oxidising agents. The product is stable under normal storage conditions.
Order or Enquire
Looking to source high-purity 1,3-Propanediol for your skincare, hair-care, or personal care formulations? Contact EZ Elements for current pricing, full product documentation, available package sizes, and technical support. We supply formulators and manufacturers across Canada with consistent, batch-verified 1,3-Propanediol backed by comprehensive documentation.
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