Humectant & Solvent Allergens in Cosmetics

Humectants draw moisture into the skin while solvents help dissolve and deliver other ingredients. Propylene glycol and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are among the most widely used — and most frequently reported — causes of cosmetic irritant and allergic contact dermatitis in this category.

High Risk

Propylene Glycol🔴 High Risk Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-8)🔴 High Risk PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil🔴 High Risk

Medium Risk

Butylene Glycol🟡 Medium Risk Hexylene Glycol🟡 Medium Risk Ethoxydiglycol🟡 Medium Risk PEG-100 Stearate🟡 Medium Risk PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate🟡 Medium Risk Dipropylene Glycol🟡 Medium Risk Isopropyl Alcohol🟡 Medium Risk

Lower Risk Alternatives

Glycerin✅ Low Risk Hyaluronic Acid✅ Low Risk Sodium Hyaluronate✅ Low Risk Panthenol✅ Low Risk Sorbitol✅ Low Risk Trehalose✅ Low Risk Betaine✅ Low Risk

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