Rate My SPF

Butoxyethanol

What Butoxyethanol is & what it does

Butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) is a glycol-ether solvent. In cosmetics it is used mainly as a solvent and coupling agent that helps dissolve and blend ingredients that do not mix easily, and it is more common in cleaning-type or specialty formulas than in leave-on skincare. It evaporates moderately and aids an even, streak-free finish. Its role is functional rather than skin-conditioning.

What is Butoxyethanol?

Butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) is a glycol-ether solvent. It is more common in cleaning-type or specialty formulas than in leave-on skincare.

What does Butoxyethanol do in a formula?

It works as a solvent and coupling agent that helps dissolve and blend ingredients that do not mix easily, supporting an even finish. Its role is functional rather than skin-conditioning.

Is Butoxyethanol safe in cosmetics?

At the low levels used in cosmetics it is generally considered acceptable, though it is a functional solvent rather than a skincare active. No specific concern flags are noted in this listing.

Sunscreens with Butoxyethanol

We rate 3 sunscreens that contain it:

← All ingredients