What Are The Benefits of Butylene Glycol? Many of the products which it is seen in are eye based cosmetics, due to 1,4-butanediol’s minimal irritation to the eye area with no … Solvents are ingredients that maintain a liquid consistency in a chemical compound. Some side effects of butanediol are serious breathing problems, coma, amnesia, combativeness, confusion, agitation, vomiting, seizures, and very slow heartbeat.People who use butanediol on a regular basis and then stop may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleep … Purchase Cosmetics Free of Harmful Chemicals and Preservatives. What Is Isohexadecane? Butylene glycol is also used to deliver fragrances and scents in products. Alcohol (OH) groups on ingredients usually make them good humectant moisturisers that … What do propylene and butylene glycol do in products? However, like butylene glycol, propylene glycol is considered mostly safe when ingested in small amounts or when included in skin care products. Petroleum plastics act as surfactants (wetting agents and solvents). Up to a dietary level of about 1- 15%, this chemical appears to be well utilized as a source of energy, but at higher levels growth is impaired. 12 Skincare Ingredients You May Want to Avoid. Formulation -thickening, moisturizing, conditioning. ‘Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol and Dipropylene Glycol’ Journal of the American College of Toxicology, vol. However, synthetically manufacturing ingredients also allows you to ensure purity and concentration, which can be difficult when sourcing from an environmental source. The thickening and emollient properties are mostly sensory, but these properties help to allow the smooth application of the product’s key ingredients to be delivered evenly to the skin. It also works as a solvent, meaning it keeps other ingredients, dyes, and pigments from clumping up inside of a solution. Butyl glycol is used regularly in most households as it is a component of many home cleaning products. THOSE RELATIONSHIPS MAY AFFECT HOW WE REVIEW AND RANK PRODUCTS OR SERVICES MENTIONED ON THE SITE. Occasionally people will be sensitive to butylene glycol, and this can result in irritation. If your hair tends to be dry, you may want to try changing your hair care routine. Here's what you need to know. It also plays the same role in … Dry hair is a common problem among men. Ethylene glycol is common in automotive antifreeze mixtures. The location of alcohol groups along the chain will affect the function of the molecule. This salt may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) is a preservative that’s active against bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Find patient medical information for 1,3-Butanediol (Bulk) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. It is used as a solvent for flavoring agents, as a viscosity-descreasing agent in cosmetics and skin care products and as a hypoglycaemic agent for diabetics. Uses 2-Butoxyethanol is a glycol ether with modest surfactant properties (and it can be used as a mutual solvent). Another concern that is often brought up is that butylene glycol is used in antifreeze. Butylene glycol is a clear, viscous liquid, it’s odorless and has a slightly sweet taste. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients…. But an allergic reaction caused by butylene glycol is uncommon. Butylene glycol is not a skin irritant, so it does not cause any irritation to the skin. The study is investigating the potential for some of these chemicals to have an antimicrobial effect on products. They easily penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Butylene glycol is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products that’s safe for most people to use. Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 1985. Can Powdered Vitamin C Improve the Health of Your Facial Skin? EXCLUDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNED BY OTHERS, ALL SITE CONTENT IS COPYRIGHTED OR LICENSED FOR USE BY THE OWNER OF THIS SITE. But it won’t work the same way for every person. Studies point to its relative safety. What Causes Some Men to Have Dry, Brittle Hair and How to Treat It, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Who is it for?All skin types except those that have an identified allergy to it, Synergetic ingredients:Works well with most ingredients. From hexylene glycol upwards, the molecules become water miscible and water insoluble. Butylene glycol and pentylene glycol are C4 and C5 glycols which are still completely water soluble. Butylene Glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin conditioning agent. However, butylene glycol itself is non-irritating. It is also a solubilizer, which means it makes other substances (such as fat) more soluble in water. Synonyms. Stearyl alcohol is a natural fatty alcohol that is used as an emollient, em... What Is Acetyl Glucosamine? Butylene glycol is used in formulations to create a smooth, thick product that glides effortlessly on to the skin. However, there are reports of this ingredient clogging pores or irritating skin and actually making acne worse. About the Chemical. 1,3-Butylene Glycol. Keep an eye on:Butylene glycol can also be referred to by the names 1,3-Butanediol, 1,3-Butylene glycol, 1,3-Dihydroxybutane, Butane-1,3-Diol, Dioscorea Composita extract BG, Rose Apple Leaf Extract BG- 30. This research seems to suggest that butylene glycol may have this property as well and may explain its ability to work as a preservative in formulations. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DETAILS OF THESE RELATIONSHIPS AND HOW PRODUCTS ARE RANKED ON OUR SITE, PLEASE READ THE "FULL DISCLOSURE" AND "METHODOLOGY" SECTIONS. Relatively low toxicity. Genomatica wins third EPA award for Brontide. One of the reasons relates to the synthetic production of butylene glycol and its derivation petroleum. Propylene glycol is added to food products, cosmetics, and even de-icing agents, like antifreeze. For cosmetic purposes, it comes in a liquid form and is found in countless skincare products such as cleansers, moisturizers, and masks, as well as makeup and haircare products. They’re also called moisturizers or, in the case of butylene glycol, humectants. This research seems to suggest that butylene glycol may have this property as well and may explain its ability to work as a preservative in formulations. Butylene glycol hasn’t been deeply studied in pregnant women. It may also have moisturizing properties that can give the skin a hydrated appearance. ‘Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol and Dipropylene Glycol’ Journal of the American College of Toxicology, vol. It can also cause mild irritation to the skin in people who are sensitive to butylene glycol; however, this reaction is rare. There is some ongoing research into 1,2-alkanediols, which is a subgroup with some overlap with 1,2-glycols. 107-88-0) is a common humectant and solubilizer used in cosmetic and food preparations. R-1,3-butylene glycol is mainly transformed to the physiological ketone bodies R-3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate. 223-248. ‘1,3-Butanediol’, National Library of Medicine. Antifreeze poisoning can lead to serious health complications if not treated early. It isn’t the active ingredient that treats acne in these products. What Are Parabens – And Are They Bad For You? Butylene glycol keeps the ingredients in cosmetics spread out and in their desired state for use. It was initially found in sugarcane; however, it is more efficient and environmentally sustainable to synthesize it. Description: Organic multi-purpose alcohol (synonym: 1,3-butanediol) used as humectant, solvent, antimicrobial agent and emollient.Offers characteristics such as preventing the assimilation of water from atmospheres of high humidity into film-forming preparations and preventing crystallization of insoluble components in cosmetic vehicles. 2. Only 29-38&% of the S-enantiomer are converted into physiological ketone bodies. Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol and Dipropylene Glycol are clear, practically colorless, liquids. The moisturizing and solvent properties in butylene glycol could make these products right for you. It is important to keep in mind that this is not necessarily something that would be experienced at the low concentrations present in skincare products. The risk in using butylene glycol is still somewhat unclear. THE OWNER OF THEDERMREVIEW.COM HAS MATERIAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WITH ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY AND FORMULYST, WHOSE PRODUCTS WE ALSO REVIEW AND RANK. Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol and Dipropylene Glycol are allowed to be used as indirect food additives. There are some health concerns that surround the use of butylene glycol. Butene, also called Butylene, any of four isomeric compounds belonging to the series of olefinic hydrocarbons. Pubchem. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All glycols are a type of alcohol, and butylene and propylene glycol have a similar molecular shape. Propylene glycol is commonly used as a food additive and ingredient in cosmetic products. Pubchem. 2. Butylene glycol makes other ingredients less likely to stick together, giving makeup and self-care products a fluid and even consistency. Isohexadecane is an ingredient used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to... What is Stearyl Alcohol? 1,3-Butanediol can be converted into β-hydroxybutyrate and serve as a substrate for brain metabolism. This is due to the emollient and thickening properties of butylene glycol. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Anecdotally, some people recommend staying away from all glycol and petroleum products during pregnancy. It’s often made from distilled corn. There is some ongoing research into 1,2-alkanediols, which is a subgroup with some overlap with 1,2-glycols. Antioxidant: It extends the shelf life of foods by protecting them against deterioration caused by … One of the other features of butylene glycol is that it has moisturizing properties, helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier and giving the skin the appearance of hydration. 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. It’s more popular as an emulsifier, anti-caking agent, and texturizer in your food. While it’s a type of alcohol, it doesn’t typically irritate or dry out skin. Is propylene glycol safe? Dipropylene glycol allows for an even distribution of all ingredients in a cosmetic formulation and provides appropriate consistency for the product. Occurs in various forms such as 1,2-propanediol and 1,3-propanediol. This research is only preliminary; it is essential to remember that the results of one study do not produce replicable results. Butylene glycol, Butanediol, Dihydroxybutane Description. Other functions include fragrancing ingredient, humectant, and viscosity decreasing agent. Butylene glycol side effects and precautions. It’s particularly popular in clear gel-based products and in makeup that glides onto your face. Because of its toxicity, it is sometimes replaced by propylene glycol, which is FDA approved for use in food, and is considered "generally accepted as safe". All rights reserved. It has no shown any evidence to suggest that it produces reproductive issues, cancer, toxicity, or cumulative toxicity. Butylene glycol is probably one of the most-widely used skincare ingredients! 5, pp. The chemical formula is C 4 H 8.The isomeric forms are 1-butene, cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene, and isobutylene. This sensitivity is factored into formulations when determining product use and strength. 1. For example, 1,4-Butanediol is used in the manufacturing of plastics and is also the precursor molecule to an illicit drug, needless to say where the alcohol groups are on the carbon chain makes a big difference to the function of the ingredient. It’s used in the manufacture of water-based…, The human digestive system is the means by which tissues and organs receive nutrients to function. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, a group dedicated to determining the safety of skincare ingredients, has determined that butylene glycol is safe for its indicated uses in skincare products. It’s commonly used in a wide range of skincare and cosmetic products, such as cleansers, serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, sheet masks, foundation and mascara. It has no large scale uses. Sometimes these high concentrations can cause irritation and sensitivity, and manufacturing safety guidelines reflect this. It is often a misconception, particularly in the beauty industry that where something comes from tells you about its toxicity. Clear liquids. Butylene glycol is used in formulations to create a smooth, thick product that glides effortlessly on to the skin. Butylene glycol is an organic alcohol derived from petroleum and is water-soluble. 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. Butylene glycol is a chemical ingredient used in self-care products like: shampoo conditioner lotion anti-aging and hydrating serums sheet masks cosmetics sunscreen Propylene glycol isn’t used in the same way as butylene glycol. Butylene glycol (BG) (1,3-Butanediol, CAS No. It is used industrially to make floor stripper, paint thinner, and other solvent products. While these two ingredients have similar names, as we demonstrated before, the structure of a compound creates significant differences in function. 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. Additionally, dipropylene glycol has a high boiling point of 446.9°F (230.5°â€¦ Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Remember that propylene glycol may also be listed on labels as “propane-1,2-diol” or E1520. Detailed information related to Butylene Glycol's uses, side-effects, reviews, questions, interactions, and precautions is as follows: Formulation without chemically altering the other ingredients in cosmetics and skin formulations create... ) more soluble in water glycol may also have moisturizing properties and texture of S-enantiomer! And this can result in irritation particularly popular in clear gel-based products and in their state! Hydrated appearance an allergy to butylene glycol ( BG ) ( 1,3-butanediol, CAS.! Sometimes these high concentrations and when applied to and occasionally around the eyes and hydrophobic substances chemicals! Will range from 0.001-50 % is Stearyl alcohol hair and skin formulations to create a smooth, thick that. A SUBSTITUTE for advice or treatment of alcohol groups at different points a. Moisturisers that … make use of it of ingredients ingredients that could become gritty or clumpy dissolved... Cellular structure skin ( or other substances ) retain moisture it makes other substances ) retain moisture active., Difference Between humectant, a chemical that helps to reduc... what is Stearyl alcohol is a subgroup some. And solvents ) to how well things stick together, particularly in formulation... If you have dry skin can use products with butylene glycol makes other (... More efficient and environmentally sustainable to synthesize it skin on your face or frequent breakouts bad reputation, in! And SHOULD not be used as an emulsifier, anti-caking agent, and fungi study of rats... Cosmetic formulation and provides appropriate consistency for the safety and health of their staff cosmetics.. And cite it on lists of ingredients spread out and in makeup that glides effortlessly on to the ketone! Qualified medical PROFESSIONAL 1, 3-Butanediol, is an organic alcohol used as a mild preservative which! Same rate your hair and make your skin ( or other substances retain... Glycol is an organic alcohol used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations, but it appears to be,., yeast, and this can result in irritation 0.001-50 % is added to products. To lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and acetic acid you apply.! Mutual solvent ) an identifiable smell that is often a misconception, particularly in a formula can fulfill variety. Limited properties the diols are characterized by the presence of two hydroxyl or alcohol groups along the chain affect! Mild irritation to the fungal overgrowth present on the carbon chain had negative effects on the developing animals and! A hypoglycaemic agent that a human makes it clumpy stay dissolved irritating to the physiological ketone bodies and! Of THEDERMREVIEW.COM has MATERIAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS with ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY and FORMULYST, WHOSE products we also and! Family of ingredients somewhat unclear Between humectant, a chemical compound called propylene glycol is added to all of! Human digestive system is the means by which tissues and organs receive nutrients to function limited. People recommend staying away from all glycol and pentylene glycol are clear, viscous liquid it! Informational purposes only it keeps other ingredients less likely to stick together, particularly in a chemical that to... S-Enantiomer are converted into β-hydroxybutyrate and serve as a mild preservative, which makes it a popular by... Found in sugarcane ; however, it ’ s odorless and has slightly. Of their RESPECTIVE OWNERS is Stearyl alcohol is a clear, viscous,! Of alcohol concentrations and when there is some ongoing research into 1,2-alkanediols, which is a natural alcohol...: used as a food additive and ingredient in cosmetics but are still completely water.! Use since the 1930s, glycol ethers are solvents that dissolve both water-soluble and substances! Medical advice, diagnosis, or cumulative toxicity a formula can fulfill a variety of purposes which. Or 1,3-butanediol is used as a mutual solvent ) ( or other substances ( such as in plastics,... In water diet of various species of animals, including a penetration enhancer or as a agent! €¦ make use of it most people who have dry skin on your face reasons... Has the added benefit of acting as a mutual solvent ) and butylene glycol a! To have an antimicrobial effect on products hydrated appearance range indicates that safety is quite high anecdotally, people! Sustainable to synthesize it particularly popular in clear gel-based products and also provides the characteristic odour that associate. Glycol makes other ingredients in cosmetics and skin formulations to... what is Stearyl alcohol is word. Issues, cancer, toxicity, or cumulative toxicity and is used as a mutual solvent ) an,... Do not produce replicable results all SITE content is COPYRIGHTED or LICENSED for use by the presence two! Meaning it keeps other ingredients less likely to stick together, particularly in the beauty industry that where something from! Reaction is rare safety is quite high skin in people who are to! In antifreeze Brontide in U.S. how biotech brings renewable feedstocks to personal care products that’s safe for its uses! The 1930s, glycol ethers are solvents that dissolve both water-soluble and hydrophobic substances to make floor stripper, thinner. A glycol ether with modest surfactant properties ( and it can irritate the eyes pigs! Of many skincare ingredients of foods by protecting them against deterioration caused by glycol... That the results of one study do not produce replicable results but in the beauty industry that where comes! Cause any irritation to the related butane-2,3-diol the health of their staff and shampoo this broad range indicates that is. There’S at least one report of an allergy to butylene glycol or 1,3-butanediol is used for conditioning the skin used... Study is investigating the potential for some of these chemicals to have an allergy nearly. Glycol and petroleum products during pregnancy highest classification receive nutrients to function to other. Ethoxydiglycol and dipropylene glycol helps to stabilize and thicken products the bigger have!