Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams
Formula IngredientHumectant, SolventButylene Glycol
INCI: Butylene Glycol
Butylene glycol (also called BG or 1,3-butanediol) is a colourless, syrupy liquid widely used in cosmetics as a multifunctional ingredient. It serves as a humectant that attracts water into the skin, a solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, and a penetration enhancer that improves the absorption and spreadability of active ingredients across the skin surface.
Category
Humectant, Solvent
Irritation Risk
Low
Skin Types
all skin types, oily, dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone
What does this do in a formula?
humectancy, penetration enhancement, improved product absorption, solvent for active ingredients, skin conditioning, improved spreadability
Is Butylene Glycol safe? Key considerations
Can Butylene Glycol cause irritation?
Low RiskIrritancy rating of 0 on INCIDecoder — one of the least irritating cosmetic ingredients. Approved by Ecocert for natural formulations and also used as a food additive, indicating a well-established safety profile. No EU CosIng Annex II or III restrictions apply.
Does Butylene Glycol increase sun sensitivity?
No RiskButylene glycol does not increase photosensitivity. No sun protection precautions are required based on its presence in a formulation.
Is Butylene Glycol safe during pregnancy?
SafeButylene glycol has a well-established safety record as both a cosmetic ingredient and food additive. No reproductive or developmental toxicity concerns are noted in available safety literature. It is widely used in pregnancy-safe skincare formulations.
How does Butylene Glycol work?
Butylene glycol (also called BG or 1,3-butanediol) is a colourless, syrupy liquid widely used in cosmetics as a multifunctional ingredient. It serves as a humectant that attracts water into the skin, a solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, and a penetration enhancer that improves the absorption and spreadability of active ingredients across the skin surface.
Which products contain Butylene Glycol?
Shop products that contain Butylene Glycol
Exosome Glow Serum
Caffeine Eye Cream
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum
10% Niacinamide Serum
Supersize Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Collagen Peptide Serum
Retinol Serum
Glycolic Acid Toner
Peptide Moisturiser
Retinol Eye Cream
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Fulvic Acid Cleanser
Tranexamic Acid Serum
20% Niacinamide Serum
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pimple Patches
Gentle Clear Clarifying Cream Cleanser
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Matrixyl 10% + HA
Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
