Ingredient label reference
Propylene Glycol
Water-miscible humectant and solvent
Humectants
A small water-miscible ingredient used to hold water, carry dissolved materials and help tune formula flow.
- Also seen as
- 1,2-propanediol · Propane-1,2-diol · PG
- Reported functions
- Humectant · Skin conditioning—humectant · Solvent · Viscosity controlling · Fragrance
- Example formats
- Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Why it may be in a product
It can combine humectant and solvent roles in one ingredient and help distribute other water-compatible materials through a formula.
What the name tells you
It identifies propylene glycol and points to a possible humectant, solvent or viscosity role.
What the label cannot tell you
It cannot establish source, grade, exact amount, water activity, hydration result, tack, preservation, irritation potential, safety or individual-dog suitability.
Evidence status
CosIng-supported function vocabulary; ingredient presence alone provides no canine or finished-formula outcome evidence.
Reference entries
Evidence and boundaries
Terminology sources, shown plainly.
The glossary uses official European sources to check ingredient terminology and to keep medical, biocidal and finished-product claims outside the glossary. Cosmetic references concern human products; their use here is limited to names and reported formulation functions.
Reference review: 2026-08-25.
Read the Journal editorial method →Source 1
European Commission — CosIng databaseA non-binding reference for cosmetic ingredient names and reported functions. It concerns human cosmetics and is used here only as a terminology source, not as canine safety approval.
Source 2
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175The current EU glossary of common ingredient names for cosmetic product labelling, applicable from 30 July 2026.
Source 3
Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal productsRegulatory context for why claims about treating or preventing disease are outside this formulation glossary.
Source 4
Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 on biocidal productsRegulatory context for why disinfection and pest-control claims are outside this formulation glossary.