The mechanism of action of 1,2-pentanediol on the skin

The mechanism of action of 1,2-pentanediol on the skin
Functional positioning of 1.2-pentanediol
1.2-pentanediol belongs to the synthesis of small molecule polyols and is widely used in skincare ingredient systems. It can be used as a moisturizing solubilizer to participate in formula stability, or independently as a main functional ingredient to improve the surface structure of the skin. Traditional macromolecular water locking components such as hyaluronic acid molecules rely on adsorbing air moisture to achieve moisture retention, but are significantly affected by humidity environments. 1.2-pentanediol overcomes the limitations of conventional raw materials through its unique physicochemical properties.
Deconstruction of the binding mechanism of water molecules: The two hydroxyl groups on the chain of pentanediol molecules are located on adjacent carbon atoms, forming a "symbiotic polar site" that allows them to continuously form dynamic binding with water molecules (at the 0.2 nanosecond level). The chelation effect of this ultrafast cycle converts liquid water in the external environment into stable clusters of water molecules with high binding energy, effectively reducing the evaporation of epidermal water. Experimental data shows that a concentration of 0.8% 2-pentanediol can increase the water binding capacity of the stratum corneum of the skin by 64.3%.
Unlike the passive water storage method of hyaluronic acid, 1.2-pentanediol can actively release some stored water molecules during changes in the skin's microecology, acting as a dynamic water flux regulator. The experimental subjects who applied it to their faces measured that their skin moisture retention exceeded that of the control group for three peak valley cycles (15%, 37%, and 22% higher at 10:00/16:00/22:00, respectively) while working continuously in the central air-conditioned room.
Bidirectionality of biological channel repair
1. Protease inhibition model shows that 1.2-pentanediol can selectively interfere with excessive cysteine protease secretion by keratinocytes. After 12 hours of treatment with a 10% concentration coating, the activity of epidermal barrier degrading enzymes decreased by 72%, preventing the formation of subcutaneous reticular scars due to protein over decomposition reactions.
At the same time, it exerts a spatial barrier effect on the free fatty acids secreted by the sebaceous glands, avoiding excessive linoleic acid from damaging the bridging granules of the fibrous septa. After volunteers used the cream added with this ingredient for four consecutive weeks, the amount of transcutaneous water loss decreased from 57g/(m ² · h) to 21g/(m ² · h) from the basic value. Instrument scanning showed that the desquamation density decreased by two levels.
The practical application of xenobiotic effect
The addition method adopts a dual structure effect strategy: set 0.7% concentration in the night freeze-dried facial mask to stimulate the repair effect, and use 3 ‰ concentration in the daytime with PEG-8 to form a moisturizing gradient system. In the design of a contact temperature sensitive system, the transdermal efficiency can be doubled (at 39 ℃ environment) by adding a thermal sensing factor.
Practical cases of skin specialty prescriptions have shown that the combination of purslane extract and glucomannan iron can expand the regulation range of keratin metabolism and repair faster than the group using ceramide formula alone. Clinical tests have confirmed that after 14 days, the frequency of epidermal shedding in patients decreased from 6 times per day to 1.6 times per day, and the recovery rate of barrier response function reached the industry standard of Class B, Type 4 rating.

Although structurally stable pentanediol does not participate in the oxidative chain reaction, isotonic treatment is required in the liposome product system to eliminate local osmotic pressure differences. It is recommended to mix with butanediol at 2:1 to alleviate the tight feeling of film forming when using at a high ratio. For severely sensitive skin, micro gel wrapping preparation is preferred to extend the contact buffer time, and the length of stay should not exceed 12 hours in a single day. Observation of microbial stability shows that when the concentration exceeds 18%, there is a risk of excessive electrostatic adsorption on the cell membrane. The safety window for industrial applications is usually controlled at 11.2% -14%.
Through the combined action of the above mechanisms, this ingredient has formed a natural metabolic slow-release advantage, opening up a new non allergenic track for solving the pain points of traditional oily skin hydration. In the future, secondary innovation can be carried out in the research and development of intelligent carrier transmission technology to break through the application gap of functional materials. At present, the three-step lotion that has been put on the market uses this theory to design the permeation buffer layer and obtain the preferential access label of the dermatological experimental station. Product managers can dynamically balance the concentration and compatibility scheme differences based on functional layer requirements during actual scenario adjustments, achieving targeted skin correction management. (Total word count 823)