Butylene Glycol
AKA “3-BUTANEDIOL, Butane-1, 3-Butylene glycol, 3-Dihydroxybutane, beta-Butylene glycol, Methyltrimethylene glycol, 3-propanediol, 3 Butylene glycol”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Butylene glycol
AKA: 3-BUTANEDIOL, Butane-1, 3-Butylene glycol, 3-Dihydroxybutane, Beta-Butylene glycol, Methyltrimethylene glycol, 3-propanediol, 3 Butylene glycol
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 1
Varies With Manufacturer
Humectant
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight humectant that draws moisture into skin and hair while helping products blend smoothly and feel silky. Keeps formulas stable and comfortable to wear.
Formula
C4H10O2
Mol. Weight
90.12
CAS #
107-88-0, 6290-03-5
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
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.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic humectant and preservative booster developed in the 20th century for cosmetic use. Created to enhance hydration and improve product stability without the greasiness of older glycerin-based formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Acne
Melanin-Rich Skin
Highly Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, and Dipropylene Glycol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
2,3-Butanediol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Butylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Butylene Glycol Diisononanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-15 Butylene Glycol Diisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
2,3-Butanediol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Butylene Glycol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Progress in 1,3-propanediol biosynthesis.
Li B, Gao W, Pan Y, Yao Y, Liu G
Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology, 2024
Prospects on bio-based 2,3-butanediol and acetoin production: Recent progress and advances.
Maina S, Prabhu AA, Vivek N, Vlysidis A, Koutinas A et al.
Biotechnology advances, 2022
Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function.
Pinto JR, Monteiro E Silva SA, Leonardi GR
International journal of cosmetic science, 2024
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR