Skincare Ingredient
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Butylene Glycol
In Skincare: Is Butylene Glycol Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Butylene glycol is frequently incorporated into skincare formulations to improve texture and facilitate the absorption of other ingredients.
- 02
As a hygroscopic ingredient, butylene glycol draws moisture to the skin and can contribute to hydration.
- 03
Butylene glycol may enhance the stability of cosmetic formulations.
- 04
Butylene glycol appears as a clear, viscous liquid.
- 05
Butylene glycol is also referred to as butane-1,3-diol.
Key Benefits
What Butylene Glycol does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Butylene Glycol
Role of Butylene Glycol
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
FRAGRANCE
Scent ProviderAdds pleasant scent to cosmetic products
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Fragrance ingredients provide aromatic appeal through essential oils, aroma chemicals, and natural extracts. These volatile compounds interact with olfactory receptors creating scent perception. Fragrance design considers top notes (high volatility), middle notes (moderate volatility), and base notes (low volatility) for scent development over time. Must consider stability, allergen content, and regulatory compliance.
HUMECTANT
Moisture MagnetAttracts and retains moisture in skin and hair
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Humectant ingredients draw water from the environment and deeper skin layers through hygroscopic properties. Common humectants include glycerin, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, urea, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These contain multiple hydroxyl groups or other hydrophilic functional groups that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Mechanism involves attracting water to the stratum corneum, reducing transepidermal water loss, and increasing skin hydration.
SKIN CONDITIONING
Skin EnhancerMaintains skin in good condition and improves its feel
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.
SOLVENT
Ingredient DissolverDissolves other ingredients to create uniform formulations
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Solvents dissolve, dilute, or disperse other ingredients creating homogeneous solutions. Water is universal solvent for hydrophilic ingredients. Organic solvents include ethanol (dissolves fragrances, some actives), propylene glycol, and glycerin. Selection based on polarity matching between solvent and solute. Mechanism involves disrupting intermolecular forces in solute and surrounding with solvent molecules. Critical for maintaining ingredient solubility and product stability.
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Thickness RegulatorAdjusts product thickness and flow properties
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.
Products
containing Butylene Glycol
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References
Scientific sources
CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Butylene Glycol — common questions
What is Butylene Glycol in skincare?
Butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, and dipropylene glycol are clear, colorless liquids. They are glycols – a type of alcohol containing two hydroxyl groups – and function as solvents within cosmetic formulations.
What does Butylene Glycol do? / Functions of Butylene Glycol?
Common functions: FRAGRANCE, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Butylene Glycol? / Is Butylene Glycol comedogenic?
Butylene Glycol has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Butylene Glycol is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Butylene Glycol safe for skin?
Butylene Glycol has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Humectant/solvent considered safe by CIR; low comedogenicity; may rarely cause mild irritation or sensitivity in some individuals especially on compromised skin. Butylene Glycol is generally well-tole
Is Butylene Glycol good for sensitive skin?
Butylene Glycol has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Butylene Glycol in skincare?
Known considerations: Humectant/solvent considered safe by CIR; low comedogenicity; may rarely cause mild irritation or sensitivity in some individuals especially on compromised skin. Butylene Glycol is generally well-tolerated, with limited reports of adverse effects under normal use conditions. Safety data from the Environmental Working Group also supports its use in cosmetics at typical concentrations.