Propylene Carbonate

Propylene carbonate is a cyclic derivative of propylene glycol. This ingredient is used most frequently as a solvent due to its highly polar nature combined with its partially carbon-based chemistry. As a result of these two characteristics, propylene carbonate is capable of dissolving a wide range of ingredients – even combining ingredients that would otherwise be incompatible.

Additionally, propylene carbonate serves as a viscosity controlling agent. In particular, this clear, colorless ingredient reduces the thickness of the products it is added to, which can be useful when trying to achieve a thinner lotion texture from a heavier cream base.