If you’ve ever flipped over a makeup or skincare product and spotted propylene glycol, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common ingredients used across beauty, food, and pharmaceutical products.
But common doesn’t always mean gentle.
What Is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid that absorbs water. In cosmetics, it’s primarily used as a humectant, meaning it helps products retain moisture and improves slip and texture.
Outside of beauty, it’s also used:
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In food and pharmaceuticals as a stabilizer
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As a base for de-icing solutions
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In industrial applications, including antifreeze where contact with food may occur
Yes, antifreeze. (Not exactly what most of us picture when we think “lip gloss.”)
Why Is It Used in Makeup?
From a formulator’s perspective, propylene glycol is appealing because it:
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Helps ingredients blend smoothly
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Extends shelf life
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Enhances product spreadability
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Is inexpensive and easy to source
For mass manufacturing, it checks a lot of boxes.
But skin isn’t a factory line.
How Propylene Glycol Can Affect Skin
While propylene glycol is considered “safe” for use in cosmetics, that designation doesn’t mean it works well for everyone, especially over long-term or repeated use.
Some people experience:
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Skin irritation or redness
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Burning or stinging sensations
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Contact dermatitis
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Increased sensitivity, especially on compromised skin barriers
Ironically, because propylene glycol draws in moisture, it can pull water out of deeper layers of the skin in dry environments, leaving skin feeling tight or irritated over time.
If you’ve ever used a product that felt silky at first but left your skin angry later… this ingredient is often part of that story.
Why We Don’t Use Propylene Glycol at Cheekbone Beauty
At Cheekbone Beauty, we formulate with a long-term view. Makeup and skincare shouldn’t just look good for five minutes; it should respect your skin for years.
We choose not to use propylene glycol because:
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We prioritize skin barrier health
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Many of our community members have sensitive or reactive skin
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There are better, more skin-supportive alternatives available
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“Industry standard” isn’t the same as “best practice”
Our formulations focus on plant-derived humectants, oils, and skin-identical ingredients that support hydration without irritation.
It’s slower. It’s more expensive. It’s also the right thing to do.
Other Common Makeup Ingredients That May Cause Skin Issues
Propylene glycol isn’t the only ingredient worth paying attention to. Depending on your skin type, you may also want to be cautious of:
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Denatured alcohol (Alcohol Denat.) – Can disrupt the skin barrier and increase sensitivity
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Synthetic fragrance – A leading cause of irritation and allergic reactions
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Certain silicones – Can trap debris on acne-prone skin if not properly balanced
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Harsh preservatives – Especially when layered daily
This doesn’t mean every product containing these ingredients is “bad.” It means your skin deserves informed choices.
Why Ingredient Transparency Matters
For a long time, beauty has told us not to ask questions. Trust the label. Trust the marketing. Trust the glow.
But real beauty, Indigenous beauty, is about relationship and responsibility. Knowing what you put on your skin is part of caring for yourself and future generations.
At Cheekbone Beauty, we believe:
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Makeup can be high-performing and kind
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Education is power
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What you leave out matters just as much as what you put in
Because good formulation isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about stewardship.
And your skin remembers everything.