1,3-BUTANEDIOL
1,3-BUTANEDIOL
1,3-Butanediol = BUTYLENE GLYCOL = Butane-1,3-diol = 1,3-Butylene glycol = 1,3-Butylenglykol
Display Name: Butane-1,3-diol
EC Number: 203-529-7
EC Name: Butane-1,3-diol
CAS Number: 107-88-0
Molecular formula: C4H10O2
IUPAC Name: (3R)-butane-1,3-diol; (3S)-butane-1,3-diol
1,3-Butanediol prevents moisture loss from the skin and it is used as humectant in skin-care products in cosmetics.
1,3-Butanediol is an emollient in cosmetics formulations which softens and soothes the skin.
1,3-Butanediol can be used in applications that require humectancy, active solubilisation (prevents crystalisation) and stabilising power (for volatile actives).
The cosmetics and personal care products category has been contributing the largest revenue share to the 1,3-butylene glycol market up till now, owing to the increasing demand for hair care and skincare products.
One of the most common skin diseases is photoaging, which leads to hair loss, sunburns, and decreased skin elasticity.
In addition to this, the prevalence of several other skin diseases is growing at a rapid pace, which, in turn, are driving the growth of the 1,3-Butanediol market.
Butylene Glycol is a colorless organic alcohol liquid. It is used as skin conditioner, a solvent and product thinning agent in the formulation of eye and facial makeup, hair and bath products personal cleanliness products, fragrances, shaving and skin care products. Butylene Glycol serves as a humectant to hydrate the skin and therefore it is used in many beauty products that includes lotions, sunscreens, creams, moisturizers and cosmetics.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review board has evaluated research along with several toxicology tests that are concerned with butylene glycol and has declared it safe to be used in cosmetics products. Butylene Glycol causes minimal to mild skin irritation but does not cause sensitization. According to FDA, butylene glycol is allowed to be used as indirect food additives, for example, it may be used in polymeric coatings in contact with food.
Butylene glycol is a preservative that helps to keep products well-formed and moist. It is also used to make construction materials as it is resistant to humidity. In construction materials, it is used to make molding and materials for boats, sheets and boards from polyester plastics. Butylene glycol has a lighter texture as compared to propylene glycol.
Butylene Glycol helps to prevent crystallization of insoluble components in cosmetic. Butyl Glycol has the ability to stabilize volatile compounds that includes flavors and fragrances and fix it in cosmetic formulations and to hold back the loss of aroma. Increasing number of working women, high disposable income, changing lifestyles are driving the growth of cosmetics and beauty products, which is a major application of Butylene glycol.
The drivers for this market include changing social structure and attitude and increasing mobility. Also, increasing awareness of beauty products by way of aggressive advertising along with free samples provided for first time use is further driving the growth of cosmetic industry, thereby driving butylene glycol market.
By Application:
Cosmetics
Skin Care Products
Eye Care Products
Hair Products
Food Additive
Industrial Applications (Unsaturated polyester resins, Alkyd resin paints, Resins for polyurethane Plasticizers, Solvents of high boiling point)
Butylene glycol usually means butane-1,3-diol, but sometimes it’s also used to refer to the related butane-2,3-diol.
Butylene Glycol
CATEGORIES: ORGANICS, SLIP AGENTS, HUMECTANTS
Butylene Glycol Skincare Benefits:
Moisturizing
Butylene glycol, sometimes referred to as “butanediol,” is an organic alcohol that is prevalent in skincare products.
Since butylene glycol possesses a high number of hydroxyl groups in its chemical structure, it works well in skincare formulations as both a slip agent and a humectant.
A slip agent is a viscosity-decreasing component that thins creams and gels so that they become easier to spread onto the skin surface.
Humectants can help to boost the skin’s ability to retain moisture from the air.
With these properties combined, butylene glycol is an ideal skincare ingredient for stabilizing and improving the spreadability of lotions and creams, while providing a silky smooth, moisturizing texture.
Butylene glycol is an organic molecule with two alcohol groups, used in cosmetics as a humectant to bind moisture and hold water to the skin. Alcohols are attracted to water; the smaller alcohols evaporate quickly, drawing water away from the skin, while larger organic alcohols do not evaporate as quickly and actually hold water to the skin
There’s high demand for 1,3-butanediol from the cosmetic & personal care, paints & coatings, and plastic industries.
Market growth is attributed to the increase in demand for emollients and humectants in cosmetics & personal care products
1,3-Butanediol is a dihydric alcohol.
1,3-Butanediol is used for its humectant and preservative potentiator properties in cosmetics, topical medicaments and polyurethane, polyester, cellophane, and cigarettes.
1,3-BUTANEDIOL is used as coupling agent, humectant, skin conditioning agent, solvent and viscosity controlling agent in chemical formulations
1,3-BUTANEDIOL is solvent for flavouring agents.
1,3-Butanediol is an organic chemical, an alcohol.
1,3-BUTANEDIOL is commonly used as a solvent for food flavouring agents and is a co-monomer used in certain polyurethane and polyester resins. It is one of four stable isomers of butanediol. In biology, 1,3-butanediol is used as a hypoglycaemic agent.
The global 1,3-butanediol market can be segmented based on function, synthesis, end-use industry, and region.
In terms of function, the market can be divided into humectant, emollient, stabilizer, intermediate, and solvents.
Based on synthesis, the global 1,3-butanediol market can be categorized into natural and synthetic.
In terms of end-use industry, the market can be divided into cosmetics & personal care, polymer, paints & coatings, food, and others (including the plastic industry).
The cosmetics & personal care segment constituted a significant share of the global 1,3-butanediol market.
A rise in awareness about skin care and hair care and a rise in disposable income are anticipated to augment demand for cosmetics & personal care products.
1,3-butanediol has excellent properties for preservation of cosmetics against decay due to micro-organisms.
1,3-butanediol is extensively utilized in the formulation of skin care, hair care, and facemask cosmetic products.
Therefore, rise in demand for cosmetics & personal care products is projected to drive the global 1,3-butanediol market.
Synonyms: 1,3-BDO, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,3-dihydroxybutane
Chemical and physical properties: colorless, odorless liquid, water miscible.
Application: Solvent, monomer used in polyurethane and polyester resins, analytical reagent, substrate for organic syntheses
1,3-Butanediol is an organic compound with the formula HOCH2CH2CH(OH)CH3.
1,3-Butanediol is a chiral diol. The compound is a colorless, water-soluble liquid.
1,3-Butanediol has no large scale uses.
1,3-Butanediol is one of four stable structural isomers of butanediol.
In biology, 1,3-butanediol is used as a hypoglycaemic agent.
1,3-Butanediol can be converted into β-hydroxybutyrate and serve as a substrate for brain metabolism.
Butane-1,3-diol is a butanediol compound having two hydroxy groups in the 1- and 3-positions.
1,3-Butanediol is a butanediol and a glycol. It derives from a hydride of a butane.
butane-1,3-diol is a butanediol
butane-1,3-diol is a glycol
1,3-dihydroxybutan-2-one has functional parent butane-1,3-diol
(R)-butane-1,3-diol is a butane-1,3-diol
(S)-butane-1,3-diol is a butane-1,3-diol
USES OF 1,3-BUTANEDIOL:
coupling agent
humectants
skin conditioning
solvents
viscosity controlling agents
Description
1,3-Butanediol is an organic chemical which belongs to the family of secondary alcohols. At present, 1,3-butanediol is used mainly in surfactants, inks, solvents for natural and synthetic flavoring agents and serves as a co-monomer in manufacturing certain polyurethane and polyester resins. It can also serve as a humectant to prevent loss of moisture in cosmetics, particularly in hair sprays and setting lotions. Besides, 1,3-Butanediol is pharmaceutically involved in the production of colchicine derivatives as a anticancer agent and in the synthesis of dual peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma and delta agonists acting as a hypoglycaemic agent, which is effective for the treatment of diabetes.
Chemical Properties
1,3-Butylene glycol has a sweet flavor with bitter aftertaste and is odorless when pure.
Chemical Properties: colourless liquid
Chemical Properties: 1,3-Butanediol occurs as a clear, colorless, viscous liquid with a sweet flavor and bitter aftertaste.
Uses: 1,3-Butanediol is used in the synthesis of colchicine derivatives as anticancer agents. Also used in the synthesis of dual peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma and delta agonists acting as euglycem ic agents in the treatment of diabetes.
Uses: Its most extensive use is as an intermediate in the manufacture of polyester plasticisers and other chemical products. It finds some use as a solvent and humectant, a useful chemical intermediate. It has extensive application in the manufacture of structural materials for boats, custom mouldings, and sheets and boards for construction applications. 1,3-Butanediol imparts resistance to weathering plus flexibility and impact resistance. It is also used in the manufacture of saturated polyesters for polyurethane coatings, where the glycol imparts greater flexibility to the polyester molecule. 1,3-Butanediol is currently used in many personal care products.
Definition
ChEBI: A butanediol compound having two hydroxy groups in the 1- and 3-positions.
Production Methods: 1,3-Butanediol is prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of aldol using Raney nickel.
Preparation: From formaldehyde and propylene via pressure and a catalyst.
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 70 to 100 ppm
Pharmaceutical Applications
1,3-Butanediol is used as a solvent and cosolvent for injectables. 1,3-Butanediol is used in topical ointments, creams, and lotions, and it is also used as a vehicle in transdermal patches. Butylene glycol is a good solvent for many pharmaceuticals, especially estrogenic substances.
In an oil-in-water emulsion, 1,3-Butanediol exerts its best antimicrobial effects at ～8% concentration.
Higher concentrations above 16.7% are required to inhibit fungal growth.
Contact allergens
This dihydric alcohol is used for its humectant and preservative potentiator properties in cosmetics, topical medicaments and polyurethane, polyester, cellophane, and cigarettes.
1,3-Butanediol has similar properties, but is less irritant than propylene glycol.
Contact allergies seem to be rare.
1,3-Butanediol is combustible when exposed to heat or flame.
1,3-Butanediol is incompatible with oxidizing materials.
To fight fire, use foam, alcohol foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Safety
Butylene glycol is used in a wide variety of cosmetic formulations and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic material. It is mildly toxic by oral and subcutaneous routes.
In topical preparations, butylene glycol is regarded as minimally irritant. Butylene glycol can cause allergic contact dermatitis, with local sensitivity reported in patch tests. Some local irritation is produced on eye contact.
LD50 (guinea pig, oral): 11.0 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, oral): 12.98 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): 18.61 g/kg
LD50 (rat, SC): 20.0 g/kg
Carcinogenicity
There were no tumors found in the 2-year feeding studies on dogs and rats.
Thus, it appears that 1,3-butanediol is not carcinogenic.
Storage
Butylene glycol is hygroscopic and should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
When heated to decomposition, butylene glycol emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Incompatibilities
Butylene glycol is incompatible with oxidizing reagents.
Regulatory Status
GRAS listed. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (transdermal patches). Included in licensed medicines in the UK (topical gel patches/medicated plasters).
1,3-Butanediol Preparation Products And Raw materials
Raw materials
PROPYLENE Butyraldehyde ALDOL
Preferred IUPAC name: Butane-1,3-diol
Other names: 1,3-butylene glycol, butane-1,3-diol, or 1,3-dihydroxybutane
Butane-1,3-diol is a butanediol compound having two hydroxy groups in the 1- and 3-positions.
Other names: β-Butylene glycol; Methyltrimethylene glycol; 1-Methyl-1,3-propanediol; 1,3-Butylene glycol; 1,3-Dihydroxybutane; Butane-1,3-diol; BD; 1,3-Butandiol; 1,3-Butylenglykol; 1,3-Butanodiol; Butanediol,1,3-; (RS)-1,3-Butanediol; Butylene glycol; NSC 402145
(RS)-1,3-Butandiol
1,3 Butylene glycol
1,3-Butandiol
1,3-Butanediol
1,3-Butylene glycol
1,3-Butylenglykol
1,3-Dihydroxybutane
1-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
beta-Butylene glycol
Butane-1,3-diol
Methyltrimethylene glycol
Trade name
.beta.-Butylene glycol
1,3-Butanediol (8CI, 9CI)
1,3-Butylene Glycol
1,3-Butylene glycol
1,3-Dihydroxybutane
1-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
3-Hydroxy-1-butanol
Butylene glycol
HAISUGARCANE BG
HAISUGARCANE BG-R
Methyltrimethylene glycol
NaturoBG
Other identifiers
1,3-butylene glycol
(No other type specified)
1,3-dihydroxybutane
(No other type specified)
BUTYLENE GLYCOL
(INCI name)
butylene glycol
(No other type specified)
Identifiers
CAS Number: 107-88-0
6290-03-5 (R) check
24621-61-2 (S) check
DrugBank: DB02202
ECHA InfoCard: 100.003.209
EC Number: 203-529-7
E number: E1502 (additional chemicals)
Gmelin Reference 2409
2493173 (R)
1994384 (S)
Properties
Chemical formula: C4H10O2
Molar mass: 90.122 g·mol−1
Appearance: Colourless liquid
Density: 1.0053 g cm−3
Melting point: −50 °C (−58 °F; 223 K)
Boiling point: 204 to 210 °C; 399 to 410 °F; 477 to 483 K
Solubility in water: 1 kg dm−3
log P: −0.74
Vapor pressure: 8 Pa (at 20 °C)
Refractive index (nD): 1.44
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (So298): 227.2 J K−1 mol−1
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298): −501 kJ mol−1
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298): −2.5022 MJ mol
1,3-Butandiol is vastly used as a humectant in cosmetics, owing to its ability to serve as a viscosity-decreasing component. Additionally, 1,3-Butandiol stabilizes volatile compounds, such as fragrances and flavors, by fixing them in cosmetic formulations, helps in aroma retention, as well as prevents the spoilage caused to cosmetic formulations by microorganisms.
Moreover, 1,3-Butandiol has an excellent distribution coefficient, which leads to better efficacy of the preservatives mixed in the formulations, thus making it possible to lower the dose of the applied preservatives.
1,3-BUTANEDIOL
Butane-1,3-diol
107-88-0
1,3-Butylene glycol
1,3-Dihydroxybutane
Methyltrimethylene glycol
beta-Butylene glycol
1,3 Butylene glycol
1,3-Butandiol
1-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
(+/-)-1,3-Butanediol
(RS)-1,3-Butandiol
1,3-Butylenglykol
1,3-Butanodiol
.beta.-Butylene glycol
BD
1,3-butane diol
NSC 402145
MFCD00004554
BUTANEDIOL,1,3-
NSC-402145
CHEBI:52683
NSC6966
1,3-butyleneglycol
(R)-(-)-Butane-1,3-diol
DSSTox_CID_6773
DSSTox_RID_78210
DSSTox_GSID_26773
Caswell No. 128GG
Butane-1,3-diol (Butylene Glycol)
1,3-Butandiol [German]
CAS-107-88-0
1,3-Butylenglykol [German]
HSDB 153
(+/-)-1,3-Butanediol, 99%, extra pure
r-(-)-1,3-butanediol
1,3-Butanediol, (R)-
1,3-Butanediol, (S)-
S-(+)-1,3-Butanediol
EINECS 203-529-7
BRN 1731276
(R)-(-)-1,3-Butylene Glycol
Aliphatic diol
AI3-11077
MFCD00064277
b-Butylene glycol
1.3-butanediol
1,3 -butanediol
DL-1,3-butanediol
Butylene glycol (NF)
ACMC-209gdj
(S)-(+)-butanediol
racemic 1,3-butanediol
BUTANEDIOL,3-
1,3-butanediol, DL-
(RS)-1,3-Butanediol
ACMC-1B2TP
( inverted exclamation markA)-1,3-Butanediol
EC 203-529-7
(+/-) 1,3 butandiol
(+/-)-1,3-butandiol
1,3-Butanediol [ACD/Index Name] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
&β;-butylene glycol
(±)-1,3-Butanediol
(RS)-1,3-Butandiol
1,3-Butandiol [German] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
1,3-Butanediol [French] [ACD/Index Name] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
1,3-Butylene glycol
1,3-Butylenglykol [German]
1,3-Dihydroxybutane
107-88-0 [RN]
1731276 [Beilstein]
1-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
203-529-7 [EINECS]
Butane-1,3-diol
Butylene glycol
EK0440000
MFCD00004554 [MDL number]
QY1 & 2Q [WLN]
UNII:3XUS85K0RA
“1,3-BUTANEDIOL”|”BUTANE-1,3-DIOL”
“BUTANE-1,3-DIOL”
(±
(^+)-1,3-butanediol, 99%
(±)-1,3-Butanediol
(±)-1，3-butanediol
(±)-1,3-butanediol 99%
(±)-1,3-Butylene glycol
(±)-1,3-Butylene glycol
(ñ)-1,3-butanediol, 99%, extra pure
(R)-Butane-1,3-diol
(RS)-1,3-Butanediol
(S)-butane-1,3-diol
)-1,3-Butanediol
1,3 Butylene glycol
1,3-Butanediol 100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
1,3-butanediol 99%
1,3-Butanodiol
1,3-Butylenglykol
BD
Butanediol,1,3-
Butylene Glycol (Butane-1,3-diol)
• (±)-butane-1,3-diol
• 1,3-Butandiol
• Methyltrimethylene
• Methyltrimethylene glycol
• methyltrimethyleneglycol
• 1-METHYLTRIMETHYLENE GLYCOL
• 1,3-DIHYDROXYBUTANE
• (+/-)-1,3-BUTANEDIOL
• 1,3-BUTANEDIOL
• 1,3-BUTYLENE GLYCOL
• 1,3-BUTANEDIOL, REAGENTPLUS, 99%
• 1,3-BUTANEDIOL, ANHYDROUS, 99+%
• (q) -1,3-Butanediol 4 M Solution
• 1,3-BUTANEDIOL, 99+%
• 1,3Butanediol,98%
• 1,3-butan-diol (=1,3-butylene glycol)
• (n)-1,3-butanediol
• 1,3-butanediole
• 1,3-butylenglycol
• RS-1,3-BUTANEDIOL
• BUTAN-1,3-DIOL
• BUTYLENGLYKOL-1,3
• 1,3-BUTANEDIOL GR
• 1,3-BUTANEDIOL CP
• 1,3-BUTYLENE GLYCOL FCC
• Daicel 1,3-Butylene Glycol
• (+/-)-1,3-Butanediol ReagentPlus(R), 99.5%
• (+/-)-1,3-Butanediol Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
• B-BUTYLENE GLYCOL
• (3S)-butane-1,3-diol
• 1,3-Butandiol Msynthplus
• 1,3-Butanediol, 99%, SuperDry, water≤30 ppm, J&KSeal
• 3-Butanediol
• 1,3-Butanodiol
• 1,3-butylene
• 1,3-Butylenglykol
• 1,3-Dihydroxybotane
• 1,3-Butaneiol
• 1-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
• BD
• beta-Butylene glycol
• beta-butyleneglycol
• butane-1,
• butane-1,3-
• Butane-1,3-diol
• 1,3-Butanediol [for BiocheMical Research]
• [for BiocheMical Research]
• 1,3-Butanediol
• (§1)-1,3-Butanediol, 99%, pure
• (§1)-1,3-Butanediol, pure, 99%
• 1,3-BUTANEDIOL FOR SYNTHESIS
• 1,3-Butylene Glycol 1,3-Dihydroxybutane
• ()-1,3-Butanediol, 99%, pure
• 1,3-Butanediol, 99%, SpcDry, Water≤50 ppM (by K.F.), SpcSeal
• 1,3-Butanediol, 99%, SpcDry, with Molecular sieves, Water≤50 ppM (by K.F.), SpcSeal
• (±)-1,3-Butanediol 4 M solution
• (±)-1,3-Butanediol solution
• Additive Screening Solution 03/Fluka kit no 78374
Synonyms:
1,3- butandiol
1,3- butane diol
butane-1,3-diol
(±)-1,3- butanediol
1,3- butanediol
1,3- butanediol natural
(±)-1,3- butylene glycol
beta- butylene glycol
1,3- butylene glycol FCC
1,3- butylenglykol
1,3- dihydroxybutane
methyl trimethylene glycol
1- methyl-1,3-propane diol
1- methyl-1,3-propanediol
methyltrimethylene glycol
1,3-Butylene glycol
1,3-Butylene Glycol is a natural diol, very pure, clear and odourless liquid. It is a common humectant used in cosmetic as moisturizer for the skin, solvent, fragrance enhancer. The bio-Butylene Glycol is COSMOS approved.
1,3-Butylene Glycol is well known in cosmetic for its good moisturizing proprieties and for improving preservative systems. It inhibits gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms as well as moulds and yeasts.
1,3-Butylene Glycol is water soluble at room temperature and can be added directly in aqueous phase.
Concentration recommended: 2 – 30%
In presence of preservatives (such as Biocon PHE, Biocon OC, Biocon DB…), 1,3-Butylene Glycol boosts the performance of the preservative system and stabilizes the formulations.
WHAT IS 1,3-BUTANE DIOL
An important commercial chemical, it is widely used in personal care products and especially cosmetics like sunscreen, lotions and hair products.
1,3- ButaneDiol is also used as a food flavouring agent. Recently, it has also been used for the synthesis of anti-cancer agents and as an agent in the treatment of diabetes.
Synonyms: Butylene Glycol, Beta – Butylene Glycol
INCI: 1,3-Butane Diol
Chemical Formula: C4H10O2
CAS Number: 107-88-0
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
CHARACTERISTICS
Chemical Formula C4H10O2
CAS Number 107-88-0
Molar Weight 90.122 g/mol
Melting Point -50°C
Boiling Point 207.5°C
Flash Point 121°C
USES AND APPLICATIONS FOR 1,3-BUTANE DIOL
INDUSTRIES
Pharma
Cleaning
Animal Nutrition
Coatings & Construction
Cosmetics
Rubber
1,3-Butanediol, an ethanol dimer providing a source of calories for human nutrition.
1,3-Butanediol is converted in the body to β-hydroxybutyrate and has cerebral protective and hypoglycaemic effect.
APPLICATIONS
1,3 Butylene Glycol is used in Cosmetics for the following Reasons: Used as a Humectant (To prevent moisture loss from the skin).
Emollient (To soften and soothe the skin).
Anti-Bacterial Properties( To increase Shelf life of the Cosmetic).
Viscocity Decreasing Agent (To make creams more easily spreadable).
When placed on the skin or ingested,1,3 Butylene Glycol is absorbed and broken down into “gamma-hydroxybutryic acid,” a naturally occurring compound found in humans.
1,3 Butylene Glycol, is clear, practically colourless, liquid.
In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in the formulation of hair and bath products, eye and facial makeup, fragrances, personal cleanliness products, and shaving and skin care products.
This chemical also appears under: Plastics, Paper and Resins, Packaging and Printing inks, Paints & Coatings, Flavours, Food & Beverage
APPLICATIONS
1,3 Butylene Glycol is used in Cosmetics for the following Reasons: Used as a Humectant (To prevent moisture loss from the skin). Emollient (To soften and soothe the skin). Anti-Bacterial Properties( To increase Shelf life of the Cosmetic). Viscocity Decreasing Agent (To make creams more easily spreadable). When placed on the skin or ingested,1,3 Butylene Glycol is absorbed and broken down into “gamma-hydroxybutryic acid,” a naturally occurring compound found in humans. 1,3 Butylene Glycol, is clear, practically colourless, liquid. In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in the formulation of hair and bath products, eye and facial makeup, fragrances, personal cleanliness products, and shaving and skin care products.
This chemical also appears under: Plastics, Paper and Resins, Packaging and Printing inks, Paints & Coatings, Flavours, Food & Beverage
1,3-Butylene Glycol
Butylene Glycol is a widely used humectant and solubiliser for the food and cosmetics industry.
1,3-Butanediol has a low toxicity and is often used to solubilise herbal extracts and other active ingredients.
In addition its low odour and high purity make it an excellent solvent for aroma ingredients in perfumery.
Useage: 1,3-Butanediol is soluble in water and can be used at concentrations from 1-50% depending on application.
In skincare typical usage would be 2-10%.
1,3-Butanediol can be used in place of propylene glycol or glycerin in applications that require humectancy, active solubilisation (prevents crystalisation) and stabilising power (for volatile actives).
Origin: Synthetic
Solubility: Water soluble
Use Level: 0.5-20% in a formula. Heat tolerant.
1,3-butylene glycol is utilized extensively in the manufacturing process of drugs because of its ability to kill fungi and bacteria and to enhance the shelf life of medicines.
On the basis of product, the pharmaceutical-grade division is predicted to account for the major share of the market in the coming years.
Pharmaceutical-grade 1,3-butylene glycol is consumed widely in cosmetics, food & beverages, and personal care industries.
As the adoption of skincare products is growing due to the rising prevalence of acne, eczema, and psoriasis, the demand for this product is predicted to grow as well.
Benefits of Butylene Glycol for Skin
As a multifunctional ingredient in cosmetics, butylene glycol does a little bit of everything:
Attracts water: Robinson says butylene glycol is a humectant, which means it binds water and pulls in hydration to the outer layer of the skin.
Enhances penetration: By breaking down hard-to-dissolve active ingredients, butylene glycol improves penetration, which, as a result, helps the product perform more effectively.2
Conditions and smooths: In addition to being a humectant, butylene glycol may also function as an emollient by creating a barrier on the skin, which prevents water loss and softens and conditions.
Butylene Glycol vs. Propylene Glycol
Since both of these ingredients are derived from petroleum products, available in the form of a colorless liquid, and used in product formulations for the same reasons, it’s easy to get them confused.
According to Robinson, butylene glycol and propylene glycol are in the same class of compounds and function similarly as well.
However, Robinson says unlike butylene glycol, propylene glycol is considered to be much more irritating to consumers.
In fact, propylene glycol was even named the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s Allergen of the Year in 2018.
For that reason, he says many brands have removed it from their formulas and turned to alternatives, such as butylene glycol, instead.
What you’ve heard about both ingredients being used in antifreeze is true, but neither is considered to be toxic (unlike another closely related ingredient that is also used in antifreeze called ethylene glycol—this ingredient is considered to be harmful and should definitely be avoided).
Despite concerns and skepticism around butylene and propylene glycol, the EWG rates propylene glycol at 3 out of 10 (10 being the most hazardous) on their “danger scale” and butylene glycol at the lowest possible hazard rating: 1.
Side Effects of Butylene Glycol
It’s important to note that just because an ingredient is derived from petroleum doesn’t automatically make it dangerous to use. In its final chemical structure form, butylene glycol is considered safe for cosmetic use. Studies show that butylene glycol is an ingredient with low-levels of irritation, and the occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis is rare, although still a possibility.1 It can be irritating to people with very sensitive skin, and these skin types should avoid this ingredient if it leads to allergic rashes, according to Rabach and Robinson. If you do experience irritation or an itchy rash, discontinue use of the product and consult a physician. With formal patch testing, your dermatologist or allergist can determine if butylene glycol is the cause of your reaction.
How to Use It
Because butylene glycol is such a versatile ingredient and is found in so many products, there isn’t one certain way to apply it. In general, Rabach says butylene glycol is safe for daily use. As far as when to use products containing the ingredient, how often to use it, or how much should be used, consult your dermatologist or follow the directions specified on the product label.
Butylene Glycol has several properties that make it attractive to use in cosmetics.
The most commonly used form of butylene glycol is 1,3-butanediol.
1,3-butanediol acts as a solvent, helping ‘gritty’ or ‘clumpy’ ingredients to stay dissolved; think of sugar dissolving in water, where water in the solvent.
It also acts as a viscosity agent, meaning that it has the ability to make a formulation thinner in consistency and therefore easier to apply to the skin.
In addition, 1,3-butanediol acts as a conditioning agent for your skin, which is beneficial for people with dry skin, and a humectant, drawing water from the environment to keep your skin hydrated.
Its cousin, 1,2-butanediol can also be found in skincare but is less frequently used.
It has all the beneficial properties of 1,3-butanediol but has an additional function; it has the ability to act as a ‘penetration enhancer’, helping other cosmetic ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Of the two, 1,3-butanediol is better researched, with a lot of supportive evidence that it is safe for the skin at the concentrations used in skincare.
It is approved as safe by The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), as well as the FDA and World Health Organisation.
Whether applied topically or ingested, butylene glycol is absorbed by the body and broken down into gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, which, reassuringly, occurs naturally in the body.
Butylene glycol is a chemical ingredient used in self-care products like:
shampoo
conditioner
lotion
anti-aging and hydrating serums
sheet masks
cosmetics
sunscreen
Butylene glycol is included in formulas for these types of products because it adds moisture and conditions hair and skin. It also works as a solvent, meaning it keeps other ingredients, dyes, and pigments from clumping up inside of a solution.
Like all glycols, butylene glycol is a type of alcohol. It’s often made from distilled corn.
There are some health concerns that surround the use of butylene glycol. Some experts warn against its use, and cite it on lists of ingredients to avoid when choosing self-care products.
The risk in using butylene glycol is still somewhat unclear. More research is needed to understand how it can affect your body in the long term.
Butylene glycol uses
Butylene glycol is added to all kinds of products that you apply topically. It’s particularly popular in clear gel-based products and in makeup that glides onto your face.
You’ll find it on the ingredients list of sheet masks, shampoos and conditioners, eye liners, lip liners, anti-aging and hydrating serums, tinted moisturizers, and sunscreens.
Butylene glycol is a viscosity-decreasing agent
“Viscosity” is a word that refers to how well things stick together, particularly in a compound or chemical mixture. Butylene glycol makes other ingredients less likely to stick together, giving makeup and self-care products a fluid and even consistency.
Butylene glycol is a conditioning agent
Conditioning agents are ingredients that add a layer of softness or improved texture to your hair or skin. They’re also called moisturizers or, in the case of butylene glycol, humectants. Butylene glycol works to condition skin and hair by coating the surface of your cells.
Butylene glycol is a solvent
Solvents are ingredients that maintain a liquid consistency in a chemical compound. They help active ingredients that could become gritty or clumpy stay dissolved. Butylene glycol keeps the ingredients in cosmetics spread out and in their desired state for use.
Butylene glycol benefits
Butylene glycol has some health benefits if you have dry skin on your face or frequent breakouts. But it won’t work the same way for every person. Generally, most people who have dry skin can use products with butylene glycol to reduce their symptoms.
Butylene glycol for acne
Butylene glycol is in some moisturizersTrusted Source made for people who have acne. It isn’t the active ingredient that treats acne in these products. The moisturizing and solvent properties in butylene glycol could make these products right for you.
However, there are reports of this ingredient clogging pores or irritating skin and actually making acne worse.
Based on your symptoms, the cause of your acne, and your skin sensitivity, butylene glycol may be an ingredient that works in your skin care regimen.
Butylene glycol vs. propylene glycol
Butylene glycol is similar to another chemical compound called propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is added to food products, cosmetics, and even de-icing agents, like antifreeze. All glycols are a type of alcohol, and butylene and propylene glycol have a similar molecular shape.
Propylene glycol isn’t used in the same way as butylene glycol. It’s more popular as an emulsifier, anti-caking agent, and texturizer in your food.
However, like butylene glycol, propylene glycol is considered mostly safe when ingested in small amounts or when included in skin care products.
Butylene glycol may help condition your hair and make your skin feel softer.
BENEFITS AND APPLICATIONS:
Humectant
Emollient
Stabilizer
Intermediate
Based on Application
Cosmetic & personal care products
Food products
APPEARANCE
Clear, colorless, syrupy liquid, essentially odorless.
DESCRIPTION
Butylene Glycol, are clear, practically colorless, liquids. In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in the formulation of hair and bath products, eye and facial makeup, fragrances, personal cleanliness products, and shaving and skin care products.
FUNCTION
Butylene Glycol is used as solvents and viscosity decreasing agents in cosmetics and personal care products.
SYNONYMS
(+/-)-1,3-Butanediol, 1,3- Butanediol, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, 1,3-Dihydroxybutane, 1-MethyltrimethyleneGlycol, B-Butylene Glycol, (ñ)-butane-1,3-diol, 1,3-Butandiol, 1,3-Butanodiol.