Butylene Glycol

Humectant that draws moisture into skin and acts as a solvent. Butylene glycol primarily functions as a humectant by attracting and binding water molecules, thereby increasing the water content in the stratum corneum and enhancing skin hydration. It also acts as a solvent, dissolving other cosmetic ingredients to ensure uniform distribution and stability within formulations. Furthermore, it can serve as a penetration enhancer, transiently altering the lipid lamellae of the stratum corneum to facilitate the absorption of active ingredients.

Butylene Glycol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. The CIR Expert Panel has deemed it safe in current cosmetic practices, noting its low potential for skin irritation and sensitization.

Look for products with 1-50% (commonly 1-10% for humectant and solvent properties in most general cosmetic formulations, but can be higher for specialized solvent systems). for clinical efficacy.