Ingredient · dataset v56
Propylene Glycol and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
A three-carbon diol humectant and solvent; nothing in the feeding studies suggests Malassezia yeast can live on it.
Can irritate sensitive skin at high levels; not a lipid-feeding concern.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
Solvent
Also listed as
Propane-1,2-Diol, 1,2-Propylene Glycol, PG
Checked products with this ingredient (13)
Product types: Antifungal treatments, Cleansers, Hair care, Makeup, Micellar waters, Moisturizers, Serums & Treatments, Sunscreens, Toners
Antifungal treatments (2)
Cleansers (2)
Hair care (1)
Makeup (1)
Micellar waters (2)
Moisturizers (1)
Serums & Treatments (2)
Sunscreens (1)
Toners (1)
Related solvent
- 1,2-Hexanediol — No known trigger
- Acetone — No known trigger
- Alcohol Denat — No known trigger
- Butylene Glycol — No known trigger
- Caprylyl Glycol — No known trigger
- Dicaprylyl Ether — No known trigger
- Diethoxyethyl Succinate — No known trigger
- Dimethyl Isosorbide — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Propylene Glycol trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: A three-carbon diol humectant and solvent; nothing in the feeding studies suggests the yeast can live on it.
Does Propylene Glycol feed Malassezia?
No known link: Propylene Glycol is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Propylene Glycol →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.