Butylene Glycol

Butylene Glycol

Multi-functional humectant and solvent used to improve hydration, slip, and active delivery in modern formulations.

INCI Name: Butylene Glycol

Appearance: Clear, colorless, low-odor liquid

Solubility: Water-soluble; miscible with many glycols and alcohols

Function: Humectant, solvent, carrier, slip enhancer

Butylene Glycol is a workhorse ingredient used to help dissolve and deliver actives, improve sensory feel, and reduce tack in water-based systems. It also supports preservative performance and helps stabilize botanical extracts and functional ingredients.

Supplied as a cosmetic raw material for professional formulation use.

What It Does

Butylene Glycol improves hydration and product feel by binding water while acting as a reliable solvent for many cosmetic actives. It is commonly used to support extract clarity, enhance slip, and create a smoother, less sticky finish compared to glycerin-heavy systems.

Typical Use Levels

• 1 – 3% — Light humectancy and slip enhancement
• 3 – 8% — Standard solvent/humectant level for serums and lotions
• 8 – 15% — High-solvent systems, essences, and concentrated actives (as needed)

How to Incorporate

• Add to the water phase at any stage.
• Can be used to pre-dissolve difficult powders (create a slurry/solution before adding to main batch).
• Suitable for cool-down addition when working with heat-sensitive actives.

Formulation Notes

• Pairs well with glycerin and propanediol to optimize hydration and skin feel.
• May improve clarity and stability of botanical extracts in aqueous systems.
• Commonly used in facial serums, toners, gels, creams, scalp/hair treatments, and masks.

Common Applications

• Hydrating serums and toners
• Barrier-support creams and lotions
• Peptide and botanical active solutions
• Scalp serums and leave-on hair treatments
• Gels and essences

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Storage

• Store tightly closed at room temperature.
• Protect from contamination and prolonged exposure to air.
• Keep away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Disclaimer

This material is supplied for cosmetic formulation use only. Not intended for direct application without proper formulation. The user is responsible for determining suitability and regulatory compliance in finished products.