Zemea® Propanediol (Plant‑Derived) — Natural Humectant & Solvent for Modern Formulations

Zemea Propanediol INCI: Propanediol

Manufacturer: DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products

Certifications: ECOCERT • NPA • 100% Bio‑Based • Vegan • Cruelty‑Free

Zemea® Propanediol is a high‑purity, plant‑derived glycol alternative produced via sustainable fermentation of corn sugar. It offers exceptional moisturising performance, a superior sensory profile, and multifunctional benefits across skincare, haircare, and personal care formulations. Ideal for natural, vegan, and clean‑beauty products.

🌿 Key Benefits

• Plant‑derived & ECOCERT‑approved — suitable for natural and organic formulations
• Skin‑friendly humectant — excellent moisturising performance with improved skin feel
• Less tacky than glycerine — lighter, smoother, faster‑absorbing sensory profile
• Preservative boosting — enhances efficacy of certain preservative systems
• Non‑irritating & gentle — suitable for sensitive skin, baby care, post‑treatment
• 100% vegan & cruelty‑free
• Versatile — compatible with creams, lotions, gels, toners, deodorants, sunscreens, anti‑ageing, and cleansing products

🧪 Functional Roles in Formulation

• Humectant: Attracts and retains moisture
• Solvent: Excellent at dissolving challenging actives (e.g., salicylic acid)
• Carrier: Helps distribute actives evenly across the skin
• Sensory Modifier: Improves slip, absorption, and overall skin feel
• Preservative Booster: Enhances microbial protection when used appropriately

⭐ Special Highlight: Solubilising Salicylic Acid

Zemea® Propanediol is a formulator’s preferred solvent for clear, water based salicylic acid products. It enables alcohol‑free exfoliating serums and toners that are gentle yet effective — ideal for sensitive or acne‑prone skin.

📏 Usage Guidelines

• Typical usage: 1–5%
• Common usage: ~3% in creams, lotions, toners, gels, and serums using water soluble ingredients only
• Phase: Add to the water phase
• Solubility: Fully water‑soluble
• pH: Broad compatibility across typical cosmetic ranges
• Compatible with: Botanical extracts, actives, surfactants, preservatives, humectants

🔗 Propanediol Compatibility Table

• Combine with glycerine for a balanced humectant profile
• Use 3% for optimal sensory improvement in emulsions
• Ideal for boosting preservative systems in water‑rich formulas
• Excellent in gel textures for improved slip
• Use as a solvent for BHA formulations to avoid cloudiness

❓ FAQs

Why does the bottle look short‑filled? Propanediol is heavier than water, so when sold by weight, the volume appears slightly lower. This is normal — no leakage has occurred.

Is propanediol natural? Yes — Zemea® is 100% plant‑derived and ECOCERT‑approved.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin? Yes — it is non‑irritating and widely used in baby care and post‑treatment products.

Can it replace glycerine? Yes, in many formulas. It offers a lighter, less tacky skin feel.

Can it dissolve salicylic acid? Yes — it is one of the best solvents for water‑based BHA products.

📄 Technical Documentation

Batch codes and expiry dates are available under the Technical Documents tab. ( COA document)

🚚 Shipping Notice

Due to courier restrictions on liquids:

• Maximum 5 litres per order
• Orders containing over 2 litres must ship via Parcelforce 48
• You may combine liquids with dry ingredients even if total weight exceeds 5 kg