“Butylene Glycol?”Here!
Appears in 3 scanned products.
In personal care
A small synthetic molecule from the alcohol family, used as a clear, colorless liquid.
Why it’s used
Draws in moisture, helps dissolve other ingredients, and gives formulas a lighter, less sticky feel than some other humectants.
What the evidence says
The only cited study is a retrospective patch-testing review of 893 dermatology clinic patients already undergoing allergy evaluation, not a sample of general cosmetic users. It found 1.46% of these patients reacted to butylene glycol on patch testing, with a notable cross-reactivity to propylene glycol in BG-allergic patients. This shows contact allergy to butylene glycol can occur in individuals prone to allergic contact dermatitis, but it does not quantify risk at typical cosmetic-use concentrations or in the general population, and no rinse-off versus leave-on distinction is made.
Context
CIR review covers use across both rinse-off and leave-on product types.
Rumors
Butylene glycol clogs pores and causes breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads in acne-prone skin.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- StyleCraze — a publisher: beauty and wellness content funded by ads, affiliate programs and sponsored content
How we know who this is
- “StyleCraze was founded in 2011 to serve as a one-stop destination for advice on beauty, health and wellness, and lifestyle.” (their page)
- “To help us maintain the resources needed to achieve this goal, we receive funding through advertisements, affiliate programs, and sponsored content.” (their page)
- StyleCraze — a publisher: beauty and wellness content funded by ads, affiliate programs and sponsored content
Butylene glycol carries harmful chemicals deeper into the skin and into the body.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Sohma Naturals — a brand: sells its own natural and organic skincare products
How we know who this is
- “Sohma Naturals is a mother and daughter team of healthcare professionals, with over 60 years of research and experience between them.” (their page)
- “They've spent over 5 years researching and testing the purest raw materials for their exclusive skincare formulations, using selectively sourced ingredients to produce natural and mostly organic products that are of the highest quality and purest form.” (their page)
- Sohma Naturals — a brand: sells its own natural and organic skincare products
Butylene glycol causes skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Sohma Naturals — a brand: sells its own natural and organic skincare products
How we know who this is
- “Sohma Naturals is a mother and daughter team of healthcare professionals, with over 60 years of research and experience between them.” (their page)
- “They've spent over 5 years researching and testing the purest raw materials for their exclusive skincare formulations, using selectively sourced ingredients to produce natural and mostly organic products that are of the highest quality and purest form.” (their page)
- Sohma Naturals — a brand: sells its own natural and organic skincare products
Butylene glycol hydrates skin and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Sciencetimes.com — a publisher: science news and reference content
How we know who this is
- “Sciencetimes.com prides itself in providing a complete informational and content package for science enthusiasts in the web who aim to remain updated and well-informed regarding a wide array of topics of their interest.” (their page)
- “We are a source for original and timely science and research information as well as breaking news in the various fields we represent.” (their page)
- Sciencetimes.com — a publisher: science news and reference content
Butylene glycol causes systemic organ toxicity, contact dermatitis and hives even at low concentrations.
Does not supporthealth and safety evidence
Studied in: single case report of a 28-year-old woman with cosmetic contact dermatitis.
Measured as an outcome.
- Case of allergic contact dermatitis due to 1,3-butylene glycol (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
Who’s saying this
- Dubois Beauty — a brand: sells its own clean skincare line
How we know who this is
- “Dubois Beauty was created by esthetician, spa owner, and wellness expert Denise Dubois.” (their page)
- “So she created a line of clean and simple skincare to make our busy lives a little easier.” (their page)