Ingredient Sustainability - Propanediol 1,3

INCI: Propanediol 1,3

Raw Material: Corn Sugar

Propanediol 1,3 is a versatile ingredient used in cosmetics. An organic compound. It has many benefits, such as being a humectant, emollient, solvent, preservative booster (1,2,3), and a building block in producing polymers. It is made by converting or fermenting corn sugar to create a 3-carbon diol molecule. Although it is not a pure ingredient, it can be extracted from renewable resources like corn, which makes it a more sustainable option than traditional petrochemical processes. (4,5)

Propanediol 1,3 can also be produced from glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production. This bio-based production process is considered more environmentally friendly and sustainable. (6,7) The source of corn can affect the biobased content or the organic certification of propanediol 1,3 (8,9,10) but not its purity or chemical structure. (4,11)

However, it's important to note that the cultivation of corn used as the raw material for propanediol 1,3 has an environmental impact. It requires land, water, fertilizers, and pesticides, which can negatively affect the environment. (12) Additionally, the transportation and processing of corn can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. (13,14)

Production Process: Propanediol 1,3 involves several steps, including fermentation, extraction, purification, and stabilization. These processes can have an environmental impact and may generate waste, emissions, or by-products that can negatively affect the environment and human health (14,15,16,17,18,19)

When comparing propanediol 1,3 and propylene glycol, propanediol 1,3 is generally considered safer and less irritating. (3,20,21). Please consider the environmental impact and operating costs of both compounds. (18,22, 23,24) While propanediol 1,3 generally has a smaller environmental footprint and lower costs (18,24,25), both compounds' specific types and qualities can affect the comparison. (3,18,20,21,22,23,24)

Efforts are being made to improve the sustainability of Propanediol 1,3 production. One such effort is to use good governance practices, enforce laws and international standards, and ensure compliance with sustainability requirements to avoid negative impacts and promote sustainable practices. (26,27,28,18)

Cited links:

1- https://www.humblebeeandme.com/project/propanediol/

2- https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/propanediol

3- https://draxe.com/beauty/propanediol/

4- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1,3-Propanediol

5- https://lotioncrafter.com/products/propanediol-13

6 - https://biotechnologyforbiofuels.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13068-018-1100-5

7- https://biotechnologyforbiofuels.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13068-023-02304-4

8 - https://ugro.com/bio-based-13-propanediol-benefits-for-hair-softness-shine-and-health/

9- https://www.bulkactives.com/product/product/propanediol.html

10- https://covationbiopdo.com/wp-content/uploads/Zemea-Brochure-Skin-Care-2020.pdf

11- https://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.13839553.html