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Wipes liquid is the functional core of wet wipes products. Beyond basic cleaning, modern wet wipes are expected to provide skin moisturization, mildness, stability, and long shelf life. To achieve these goals, polyols (multifunctional humectants) play a critical role in wipes liquid formulation.

For wet wipes manufacturers and OEM factories, polyols are not only moisturizing agents but also key contributors to skin feel, preservative boosting, formulation stability, and regulatory compliance.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of polyols in wet wipes liquid, their functions, common types, formulation guidelines, and practical application considerations.

What Are Polyols?

Polyols are organic compounds containing multiple hydroxyl (–OH) groups. In personal care and wipes liquid formulation, polyols are widely used due to their water solubility, safety profile, and multifunctionality.

Common Polyols Used in Wipes Liquid

Glycerin

Propylene Glycol

Butylene Glycol

Pentylene Glycol

Hexylene Glycol

Sorbitol

Xylitol

Caprylyl Glycol (often considered a multifunctional glycol)

Key Functions of Polyols in Wet Wipes Liquid

1. Moisturization and Skin Hydration

The primary function of polyols in wipes liquid is humectancy. Polyols attract and retain water on the skin surface, helping to:

Reduce skin dryness after wiping

Improve skin comfort, especially for baby and sensitive skin wipes

Enhance perceived product quality

This is particularly important in wipes liquid designed for frequent daily use.

2. Improvement of Skin Feel and Slip

Polyols influence the sensory profile of wipes liquid:

Reduce tackiness or stickiness

Improve glide during wiping

Balance surfactant harshness

Different polyols provide different sensory effects, which allows formulators to fine-tune wipes liquid texture and after-feel.

3. Preservation Boosting Effect in Wipes Liquid

Many polyols, especially short-chain glycols, have antimicrobial-supporting properties.

In wipes liquid formulation, polyols can:

Reduce water activity

Enhance the efficacy of preservatives such as PE 9010

Allow for lower preservative dosage while maintaining safety

This makes polyols an important part of a holistic preservation strategy in wet wipes.

4. Solvent and Ingredient Compatibility

Polyols act as co-solvents in wipes liquid, helping to:

Improve solubility of botanical extracts

Stabilize fragrances

Enhance uniform distribution of active ingredients

This contributes to wipes liquid clarity and long-term stability.

Common Polyols Used in Wet Wipes Liquid and Their Characteristics

Glycerin

Functions:

Strong humectant

Skin barrier support

Considerations:

High levels may cause sticky feel

Often combined with other polyols

Typical dosage in wipes liquid: 1.0–5.0%

Propylene Glycol / Butylene Glycol

Functions:

Humectancy

Solvent

Preservation boosting

Considerations:

Good balance of cost and performance

Widely accepted globally

Typical dosage: 0.5–3.0%

Pentylene Glycol

Functions:

Moisturization

Mild antimicrobial support

Improved skin feel

Advantages:

Often used in “mild” or “natural positioning” wipes liquid

Typical dosage: 0.5–2.0%

Caprylyl Glycol

Functions:

Emollient effect

Strong preservative booster

Advantages:

Helps reduce traditional preservative load

Typical dosage: 0.3–1.0%

Sorbitol and Xylitol

Functions:

Sugar alcohol humectants

Skin comfort enhancement

Considerations:

Often used in baby or sensitive wipes liquid

Can influence viscosity

How to Select Polyols for Wipes Liquid Formulation

When selecting polyols, wet wipes manufacturers should consider:

1. Target Product Positioning

Baby wipes

Sensitive skin wipes

Natural or “clean label” wipes

Household or general wipes

2. Sensory Requirements

Non-sticky after-feel

Smooth glide

Fast drying vs moisturizing balance

3. Preservation System Compatibility

Interaction with preservatives (e.g. PE 9010)

Synergy with chelating agents

4. Regulatory and Market Requirements

EU, US, ASEAN compliance

Customer-specific ingredient restrictions

Typical Polyol Levels in Wipes Liquid

In most wet wipes liquid formulations, total polyol content ranges from:

2.0% to 8.0%, depending on product type and positioning

Excessive polyol levels may:

Increase tackiness

Affect nonwoven wet strength

Influence microbial challenge test results

Polyols and Microbial Challenge Testing

Polyols impact preservation performance in wipes liquid:

They may enhance preservative efficacy

But they do not replace preservatives

Challenge testing remains mandatory

Formulators often adjust polyol type and level during challenge test optimization to achieve the best balance between safety and sensory performance.

Common Formulation Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading glycerin leading to sticky wipes

Relying on polyols alone for preservation

Ignoring interactions with nonwoven substrates

Not considering climate and storage conditions

Our Expertise in Wipes Liquid Formulation

As a professional wipes liquid formulation supplier, we help wet wipes manufacturers with:

Polyol system selection and optimization

Customized wipes liquid formulations

Preservation system design

Challenge test troubleshooting

Export-oriented regulatory support

We focus on developing stable, mild, and cost-effective wipes liquid solutions for global markets.

Conclusion: Polyols Are Multifunctional Ingredients in Wet Wipes Liquid

Polyols play a vital role in modern wet wipes liquid formulation. Beyond moisturization, they contribute to preservation efficiency, formulation stability, and overall product performance.

By carefully selecting and balancing different polyols, wet wipes manufacturers can significantly enhance the quality and safety of their wipes products.