Pentylene glycol, a clear, colorless liquid, is a multifunctional ingredient that has gained popularity in the skincare industry due to its diverse benefits. As a humectant, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin, which is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and improving overall skin health. This property makes it particularly useful in products designed for dry or dehydrated skin [1].

One of the key advantages of pentylene glycol is its ability to act as a solvent and penetration enhancer. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and can improve their ability to penetrate the skin's outer layers, potentially enhancing the efficacy of active ingredients in a formulation [2]. This characteristic makes it a valuable addition to products containing ingredients that typically have difficulty penetrating the skin barrier.

Furthermore, pentylene glycol exhibits antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its role as a preservative enhancer in cosmetic formulations. While it's not potent enough to be used as a sole preservative, it can work synergistically with other preservatives to protect products against microbial growth, potentially allowing for reduced use of traditional preservatives [3]. This dual functionality as both a hydrating agent and preservative enhancer makes pentylene glycol an attractive ingredient for formulators seeking to create effective, well-preserved products with a good skin feel.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of pentylene glycol in improving skin hydration. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that formulations containing pentylene glycol significantly increased skin hydration levels compared to a placebo [4]. This research supports its use in moisturizing products and highlights its potential benefits for maintaining skin health and appearance.