Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams
Formula IngredientHumectant, SolventINCI: 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
humectancy, penetration enhancement, improved product absorption, solvent for active ingredients, skin conditioning, improved spreadability
Irritancy 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.
Butylene glycol does not increase photosensitivity. No sun protection precautions are required based on its presence in a formulation.
Butylene 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.
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.