What Is Propyl gallate?

Learn about the antioxidant and perfuming characteristics of Propyl gallate and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Propyl gallate? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Propyl gallate?

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Propyl gallate is a substance that can be used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and to add fragrance. It is a white or creamy powder that doesn't have much smell and doesn't dissolve in water. It has a slightly bitter taste and is made from natural sources like plants. Propyl gallate can also be used as an antioxidant for foods, oils, waxes, and other materials to help prevent them from going bad too quickly. It works especially well with fats that are easily spoiled by oxygen. Propyl gallate is often used together with other antioxidants to make them work better. Sometimes it's added to packaging or adhesives for food products, but it's not directly added to the food itself.

What is the purpose of Propyl gallate in personal care products? It is used for its antioxidant and perfuming characteristics. Propyl gallate prevents oxidation and adds a pleasant fragrance.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Propyl Gallate, Gallic acid n-propyl ester, PG, Propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate, and "Benzoic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-, propyl ester".

What Are Antioxidant Ingredients?

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Propyl gallate has antioxidant characteristics.

Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules caused by pollution, UV radiation, and stress that can damage skin cells. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and redness. Antioxidant ingredients are also used in skincare products to keep skin healthy and youthful, extend the shelf life of food and beverages, and prevent the breakdown of active ingredients in medications.

Types of Antioxidants Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of antioxidants ingredients in cosmetics and other products:

  • Vitamins: Certain vitamins, such as vitamins C, E, and A (retinol), are known for their antioxidant properties.

  • Botanical extracts: Many plants contain natural antioxidants that can be extracted and used in cosmetics. Examples include green tea, grape seed, pomegranate, and chamomile.

  • Peptides: Certain peptides, such as glutathione, can have antioxidant properties and may be used in cosmetics.

  • Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Some examples include lycopene, beta-carotene, and astaxanthin.

What Are Perfuming Ingredients?

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Propyl gallate has perfuming characteristics.

Perfuming ingredients are used in cosmetic products to enhance a product's scent. These ingredients are derived from various sources, such as essential oils, synthetic aromas, and natural extracts. Perfuming ingredients are carefully selected and blended to create a specific scent profile that appeals to users.

How perfuming ingredients function is by emitting molecules that are easily vaporized, and these molecules stimulate the odorant receptors in our noses, creating a delightful fragrance. They are carefully selected and blended to create a unique scent profile that can evoke a particular emotion or mood.

Natural vs Synthetic Perfuming Ingredients

Natural perfuming ingredients are derived from natural sources such as flowers, fruits, spices, and herbs. These ingredients can provide a wide range of scents, from floral to woody to spicy, and are often used in high-end or niche fragrances. Natural perfuming ingredients commonly include essential oils, absolutes, resins, and extracts.

On the other hand, synthetic perfuming ingredients are created in a lab using a combination of chemicals. They are designed to mimic natural ingredients' scents or create entirely new fragrances. Synthetic ingredients are often used in mass-market perfumes and other fragranced products because they are cheaper and more consistent in scent than natural ingredients.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.