Is Propylene Glycol Monostearate Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 4/5 — Likely to clog pores
Propylene Glycol Monostearate is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together. In cosmetics it is typically found in lotions, creams and cleansing products.
| Comedogenic rating | 4/5 — Likely to clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Emulsifier |
Is Propylene Glycol Monostearate comedogenic?
Yes — Propylene Glycol Monostearate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Propylene Glycol Monostearate is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Propylene Glycol Monostearate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Propylene Glycol Monostearate is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Propylene Glycol Monostearate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Propylene Glycol Monostearate if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Propylene Glycol Monostearate away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
How Propylene Glycol Monostearate compares to other emulsifiers
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Propylene Glycol Monostearate | 4/5 | Likely |
| Polysorbate 20 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Polysorbate 80 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3/5 | Likely |
| Ceteareth-20 | 4/5 | Likely |
| PEG-16 Lanolin | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Propylene Glycol Monostearate comedogenic?
Yes — Propylene Glycol Monostearate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Propylene Glycol Monostearate is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Propylene Glycol Monostearate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Propylene Glycol Monostearate is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Propylene Glycol Monostearate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Propylene Glycol Monostearate safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Propylene Glycol Monostearate away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
What products is Propylene Glycol Monostearate found in?
Propylene Glycol Monostearate is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together, and is commonly found in lotions, creams and cleansing products.
What can I use instead of Propylene Glycol Monostearate?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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