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Butylene Glycol

What Butylene Glycol is & what it does

A lightweight humectant and solvent that hydrates while helping dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture. It spreads thinly and absorbs quickly, contributing to a non-sticky feel.

What does Butylene Glycol do?

Butylene glycol is a lightweight humectant and solvent: it helps draw water into the skin, dissolves other ingredients, and gives a formula a smoother, less sticky feel than some heavier glycols.

Is Butylene Glycol safe?

Yes. It is well tolerated and reviewed as safe in cosmetics. Irritation is uncommon, though very sensitive skin can occasionally react to glycols.

Does Butylene Glycol clog pores?

No. It is non-comedogenic and lightweight, so it does not block pores. It is often used specifically to keep a formula feeling light.

Is Butylene Glycol natural?

It is synthetic. It can be made from petroleum or from bio-based plant sugar, but either way it is manufactured rather than found in nature. The origin does not change how it behaves or how well it is tolerated.

Is Butylene Glycol safe to use during pregnancy?

Butylene glycol has no known pregnancy concern. It is a lightweight humectant and solvent used in small amounts and is well tolerated.

Sunscreens with Butylene Glycol

We rate 3175 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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