Butylene Glycol
Ingredient information
- INCI name: BUTYLENE GLYCOL
- CAS number : 107-88-0, 6290-03-5
- Functions:
• Skin conditioning : Maintains skin in good condition.
• Humectant : Maintains water content of a cosmetic both in its packaging and on the skin.
• Masking : Reduces or inhibits the odor or basic taste of the product.
• Solvent : Dissolves other substances.
• Viscosity controlling : Increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetics.
- Clear, viscous liquid.
- Often included in a skin care formula to improve texture and penetration.
- Known to be hygroscopic, meaning it can increase the water content of the skin.
- Can also help to enhance the stability of a formula.
- Organic-compatible (COSMOS Reference).
Description of butylene glycol
Butylene glycol is a commonly used ingredient that plays several roles in cosmetics, including as a humectant, texture enhancer, solvent, and penetration booster. Research indicates that butylene glycol not only helps increase skin hydration, but can also help reduce surface roughness depending on how it is combined in the formula. While not known as a preservative per se, some of the properties of butylene glycol can help increase the stability of a formula against microorganisms that can damage the skin’s surface.
It is used in a wide range of concentrations, with ratios as high as 50%, although many suppliers cap it at 30%. The minimum amount tends to hover around 0.5%, in which case it is usually part of a blend with plant extracts and/or preservatives.
Over the years, toxicology testing of butylene glycol has determined that it is safe in the concentrations currently used in cosmetics. The US FDA has even determined that butylene glycol is safe as a food additive. It is approved for organic use when it is bio-based and obtained by fermentation from sugar.
INCI Beauty rating: Yellow
The ingredients in this dictionary are evaluated based on validated and peer-reviewed scientific research. Our main source is the French application INCI Beauty, which itself relies on European cosmetics regulations and various scientific reference bodies.
Regulations regarding usage constraints, authorized concentration levels and availability vary by country and region. This ingredient dictionary is for informational purpose only and is not meant to replace official sources. Its original content is in French, which is then translated into English. Although we strive to always provide you with correct and up-to-date information, if you have any doubts about an ingredient, we recommend that you consult the official sources of your country regarding cosmetic regulations.
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