Many cosmetic ingredients do more harm to acne instead of clearing it. But propylene glycol is safe for acne as it is not oily.

Is propylene glycol harmful for skin?

Propylene glycol is well tolerated by the skin and shouldn't cause redness or irritation. ... If these molecules are skin toxins like pollutants or harsh chemical ingredient, they could harm the lipid barrier and cause skin irritation.

Does glycol cause acne?

Butylene glycol for acne

The moisturizing and solvent properties in butylene glycol could make these products right for you. However, there are reports of this ingredient clogging pores or irritating skin and actually making acne worse.