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humectant · solvent

Butylene Glycol

Commonly feared, low concern·Strong evidence

A lightweight humectant and solvent similar in role to propylene glycol, used to carry actives and give lotions a lighter feel. CIR has reviewed it and considers it safe as used in cosmetics.

The myth vs the evidence

It sometimes gets swept into the same "glycol = petrochemical toxin" fear as propylene glycol. The evidence does not support meaningful risk at cosmetic use levels; irritation is uncommon and mainly seen in leave-on products at higher concentrations on already-compromised skin.

Questions

Is butylene glycol as dangerous as propylene glycol?
Butylene glycol is a different molecule, and the published evidence does not support meaningful risk at cosmetic use levels. Irritation is uncommon and primarily seen in high-concentration leave-on products on already-compromised skin.

Products with Butylene Glycol

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.