Thursday 1 February 2018

What is Butylene Glycol?



Source: Amy. 15 Toxic Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare Products https://www.beautybyearth.com/15-toxic-ingredients-
avoid-skincare-products/ (accessed Feb 2, 2018).
What is Butylene Glycol?
Butylene glycol is mainly referred to as 1,3-butanediol and 1,3-butylene glycol [1]. The name of the
compound depends on the two oxygen and hydrogen bonds attach to the compound, making it a
alcohol. Consequently, those who do not have knowledge of this chemical may believe it is toxic,
from the sound of its name. Conversely, according to the Hazard Score key, it is rated from 0-1 level
and is thus, low risk[1].  It is an odorless and colorless liquid with a sweet flavor and bitter aftertaste
[2]. It has been found that a drop of Butylene glycol can cause skin and eye irritation, accompanied
by a stinging sensation if not handled well [1]. If this occurs, washing the area affected or the rinsing
of the eyes with running cold water can cure the irritation.
Where is Butylene glycol used?
Butylene glycol is used in most cosmetic products sold in the market today.  Butylene glycol is
commonly used as it is great for absorbing water droplets from the air and retaining it. Thus, Butylene
glycol will preserve the product because it controls moisture and keeps it hydrated [3]. Overall, these
factors avoid the products from drying faster and can boost overall effectiveness of the product [4].
Moreover, Butylene glycol acts as a solvent [3], which allows for the other products to be easily mixed
together, providing a better texture to creams and moisturizers.
Some of the alternative compounds to use instead of Butylene glycol in many cosmetics products will
typically be plant based and contain low amounts of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Additionally,
another alternative to Butylene glycol is Hyaluronic acid [4], which is found naturally in the human
body, brain, connective tissues, and umbilical cord. It has the same properties as Butylene glycol and
works as a strong moisture absorbent [4].


References:
[1] BUTYLENE GLYCOL http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700861/BUTYLENE_GLYCOL/
#.WmlBskxFxhF (accessed Jan 23, 2018).
[2]1,3-BUTANEDIOL https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/7896#section=Names-and-
Identifiers (accessed Jan 23, 2018).
[3] Today's Chemical - Butylene Glycol http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/todays-chemical/
2013/2/7/butylene-glycol.html (accessed Jan 23, 2018).
[4] Butylene Glycol https://www.thedermreview.com/butylene-glycol/ (accessed Jan 23, 2018).

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