1,2-Butanediol
AKA “butane-1, 2-Butylene glycol, 2-Dihydroxybutane, alpha-Butylene glycol, alpha-Butyleneglycol, NSC-24242”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
1,2-Butanediol
AKA: Butane-1, 2-Butylene glycol, 2-Dihydroxybutane, Alpha-Butylene glycol, Alpha-Butyleneglycol, NSC-24242
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight humectant that draws moisture into skin and hair while helping formulas blend smoothly and maintain the right texture.
Solubility SPECIFIC OPTICAL ROTATION: -7.4 DEG AT 22 °C/D (ALCOHOL, 4%); SOL IN WATER, ALCOHOL & ACETONE /L-FORM/
Formula
C4H10O2
Mol. Weight
90.12
CAS #
584-03-2
Form
Powder
State
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic humectant developed in the mid-20th century for cosmetics to improve hydration and texture. Created to provide stable, consistent moisturizing properties in modern skincare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dehydration
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Potential Sensitizer
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR