Propyl Alcohol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 1-propanol, Propanol, Propan-1-ol, N-propanol, 71-23-8, N-Propyl alcohol, Ethylcarbinol, Optal, Osmosol extra
Synthetic
Solvent
Clean
N-propanol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sharp musty odor like rubbing alcohol. Flash point 53-77 °F. Autoignites at 700 °F. Vapors are heavier than air and mildly irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Density approximately 6.5 lb / gal. Used in making cosmetics, skin and hair preparations, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, lacquer formulations, dye solutions, antifreezes, rubbing alcohols, soaps, window cleaners, acetone and other chemicals and products.
Solubility Miscible (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
C3H8O
Mol. Weight
60.10
CAS #
71-23-8
Form
Liquid
State
N-propanol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sharp musty odor like rubbing alcohol. Flash point 53-77 °F. Autoignites at 700 °F. Vapors are heavier than air and mildly irritate the eyes, nose
Functions
Antifoaming
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Boosts Collagen
Reduces foam
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Developed in the early 20th century as a synthetic alcohol. Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as a preservative and solvent; became particularly common in skincare formulations from the 1950s onward as an alternative to ethanol.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR