Butylene Glycol
Butylene Glycol (a solvent and water-holding ingredient)
A solvent that helps products mix and holds water in skin.
Butylene Glycol is a solvent and water-holding ingredient common in skincare that helps products blend smoothly and keep skin hydrated.
In three sentences
Butylene Glycol is a solvent that helps mix ingredients in products. It also holds water in the skin like a sponge holds water. It is widely used in skincare and appears in almost all Korean beauty products.
What it does
Butylene Glycol works like a sponge in your product, soaking up water and holding it in place on your skin.
Butylene Glycol serves two main roles in skincare. First, it acts as a solvent, helping different ingredients blend together smoothly in a product formulation. Second, it works as a humectant, meaning it pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers to keep the outer layer hydrated.
No source was found documenting its typical concentration range in skincare products. The ingredient appears in nearly all Korean beauty products in this database, including essences, toners, and serums. Most products list it near the beginning of their ingredient list, suggesting moderate to high amounts.
Typical concentration
Not disclosed. No source was found for typical concentration or regulatory limits.
Who should be careful
No source was found documenting special cautions for Butylene Glycol. People with very sensitive skin may wish to patch test, as with any new product, but no specific warnings were identified.
Pairing
Pairs well with
Found in
- Zero Pore Pad 2.0 (70ea)MEDICUBE
FAQ
- Is Butylene Glycol safe?
- Butylene Glycol is widely used in skincare and cosmetics and has a long history of use. No safety concerns were found in available sources. As with any ingredient, people with very sensitive skin should patch test first.
- Why is Butylene Glycol in so many products?
- Butylene Glycol does two jobs: it helps mix different ingredients together in a product, and it holds water in your skin. This makes it useful in almost every type of skincare formula, from toners to serums.
- Does Butylene Glycol hydrate skin?
- Butylene Glycol helps skin hold onto water by pulling it from the air and deeper layers. This can make skin feel softer and look more plump, though no source was found measuring how much hydration it provides.
Regulatory status
| Country | Authority | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Korea | MFDS | Allowed |
| United States | FDA | Allowed |
| Japan | MHLW | Allowed |
Status in one country says nothing about another.