Propellants are pressurized gases (such as butane, propane, isobutane, or nitrogen) used to expel product from aerosol containers in sprays, foams, and mousses. They are formulation aids and contribute no therapeutic skincare benefit themselves.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Volatile hydrocarbon propellants can cause transient irritation or defatting of the skin. |
Inhalation-related respiratory irritation | Uncommon | Spray mist may irritate airways, especially with facial application in poorly ventilated areas. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Accidental spray contact with eyes can cause stinging and redness. |
Cold burn/frostbite on skin | Rare | Close-range, prolonged spraying can cause localized cooling injury. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Uncommon, sometimes related to associated solvents or additives rather than the gas itself. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.