Disliked
Propyl Gallate
Fragrance
Fragrances make products smell appealing but are a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions. This includes synthetic fragrances, natural fragrances, and essential oils. Fragrance-free products are the safest bet for sensitive skin.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants inhibit oxidation, or a chemical reaction that leads to cell-damage and are found to correct signs of aging, brighten skin tone, and some antioxidants help stimulate collagen.
May cause Irritation
Some ingredients have higher irritation potential, particularly for sensitive skin. Common reactions include redness, burning, or itching. If you have sensitive skin, patch test first and introduce these ingredients slowly into your routine.
May irritate lips
Some ingredients are especially likely to irritate the thinner, more sensitive skin on the lips. Counter-irritants used in plumpers, fragrance allergens, and leave-on chemical exfoliants are common triggers. Reactions can include stinging, redness, dryness, or contact cheilitis. If your lips react easily, look for fragrance-free, occlusive balms without active acids or warming agents.
Explained
Propyl Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant. It works by protecting the oils, fats, and fragrance compounds in a formula from going rancid through oxidation, helping the product stay stable and effective for longer.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel recommends keeping Propyl Gallate at or below 0.1% due to potential sensitization at higher levels, and most formulas stay within that limit.
We flag Propyl Gallate as both a general irritant and a lip irritant because direct skin contact can trigger redness or allergic contact dermatitis. The more sensitive skin on and around the lips is prone to reacting.
See all 453 products with Propyl Gallate
Users who like it
16%
Users who avoid it
84%
What it does
Perfuming
A substance that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor, especially a volatile liquid distilled from flowers or preparedsynthetically.
Antioxidant
A substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one, such as vitamin e, vitamin c, or beta carotene, that protects cellsfrom the sometimes damaging effects of oxidation.
Prevalence
Less common
Percentage of products that contain it
0.4%
Top categories
Lip Care
Treatments
Moisturizers
Position
Predominant list placement
Bottom 50%
References
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
37267
INCI Name
PROPYL GALLATE
INN Name
propyl gallate
EC #
 204-498-2
Ph. Eur. Name
propolis gallas
All Functions
Antioxidant, Perfuming