Butylene glycol: An Exploration of Its Uses, Advantages, and Potential Drawbacks
Butylene Glycol: A Safe and Beneficial Skincare Ingredient
Butylene glycol, a colorless, viscous, water-soluble liquid, is a common ingredient in many skincare products, including cleansers, face masks, and eyeliners [1]. This organic alcohol, derived from distilled corn, petroleum, and sugarcane, is widely accepted as safe for skin and health [2].
According to a 2018 study, butylene glycol was effective against all the microbial strains that underwent testing when used at a 25% concentration [3]. Furthermore, a 2021 study found that adding butylene glycol to chitosan enhanced its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and had a potent preservative effect in cosmetics [4].
In skincare, butylene glycol acts mainly as a humectant, attracting and binding water to the skin, and as a solvent, helping ingredients stay suspended in formulas [1]. It also acts as an emollient, coating the skin's surface and preventing water loss, and as a stabilizer, preventing active ingredients and volatile compounds from losing their flavor and aroma [1].
Butylene glycol is an ingredient in anti-acne moisturizers, though it has no direct action against acne. Its antimicrobial and moisturizing properties may help treat associated symptoms in acne-prone skin [1].
The Environmental Working Group gives butylene glycol grade 1 on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the most harmful [2]. It is sometimes used as an alternative to or replacement for propylene glycol, another common skin care ingredient [6]. Propylene glycol may be more irritating to the skin than butylene glycol, and was dubbed the American Contact Dermatitis Society's Allergen of the Year in 2018 [7].
However, older research suggests that allergy to butylene glycol is rare, but a person should consider conducting a patch test before using a new product [8]. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals may consider avoiding products with butylene glycol due to limited research on its safety for this population [2].
Butylene glycol helps reduce the product's viscosity, preventing other ingredients from sticking together [1]. It is also worth noting that butylene glycol has antimicrobial properties, which boost the effectiveness of preservatives in formulations and protect against spoilage due to microorganisms [3].
In summary, butylene glycol is a safe and beneficial ingredient for skin hydration and barrier support without proven long-term adverse skin or health effects in typical cosmetic uses, though consultation is suggested for pregnancy [2][3]. People with sensitive skin may find that butylene glycol causes skin irritation, and the ingredient may irritate the eyes when accidentally applied around or to the eyes.
[1] Butylene glycol: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning - WebMD [2] Butylene Glycol - Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database - Environmental Working Group [3] Butylene glycol - PubChem [4] Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Butylene Glycol-Chitosan Nanofibers - International Journal of Molecular Sciences [5] Butylene Glycol - Cosmetics Info [6] Propylene glycol - PubChem [7] Propylene Glycol - Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database - Environmental Working Group [8] Butylene glycol Allergy - Allergy Testing and Treatment - AAAAI [9] Butylene Glycol - Healthline [10] Butylene Glycol - American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) Allergen of the Year 2018
- Dermatology and skin-care professionals may find butylene glycol, a commonly used skincare ingredient, beneficial due to its humectant properties that attract and bind water to the skin, acting as an emollient to coat the skin's surface and prevent water loss, and as a stabilizer to maintain active ingredients and aroma in formulations.
- According to the Environmental Working Group, butylene glycol, with a grade 1 on a 1-10 scale, is considered safe for skin and health, making it an attractive choice for health-and-wellness-focused skincare products.
- Furthermore, the science of cosmetics supports the use of butylene glycol, noting its antimicrobial properties, which not only improve the effectiveness of preservatives but also protect against spoilage due to microorganisms, making it a valuable addition to skincare products and dermatology applications.
