Propylene Glycol Laurate

AKA: 2-Hydroxypropyl laurate, 2-Hydroxypropyl dodecanoate, 142-55-2, Emalex PGML, Propyleneglycol monolaurate, Lauric acid, 2-hydroxypropyl ester, 1, 2-Propanediol, 1-laurate, Rikemal PL 100, Dodecanoic acid, Lauroglycol-FCC
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
Lauric acid, monoester with propane-1,2-diol
Effective at 1.0%
Formula
C15H30O3
Mol. Weight
258.40
CAS #
27194-74-7, 142-55-2, 37321-62-3, 199282-83-2
Form
Liquid
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Synthetic ester developed in the mid-20th century as an emollient and emulsifier for cosmetics. Created to provide lightweight hydration and improve product stability.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
9.9e-05%
2.0%
0%14%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.000099-2
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR