1,4-Butanediol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Butane-1, 4-diol, 110-63-4, Tetramethylene glycol, 4-Butylene glycol, 4-Dihydroxybutane, 4-Tetramethylene glycol, Sucol B, Tetramethylene 1, DIOL 14B
Synthetic
Solvent
Clean
Butane-1,4-diol is a butanediol that is butane in which one hydrogen of each of the methyl groups is substituted by a hydroxy group. A colourless, water-miscible, viscous liquid at room temperature (m.p. 16C) with a high boiling point (230C), it is mainly used for the production of other organic chemicals, particularly the solvent oxolane (also known as tetrahydrofuran or THF). It has a role as a protic solvent, a prodrug and a neurotoxin. It is a glycol and a butanediol.
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C4H10O2
Mol. Weight
90.12
CAS #
110-63-4
Form
Liquid
State
1,4-butanediol appears as odorless colorless liquid or solid (depending upon temperature). (USCG, 1999)
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Dissolves Ingredients
Locks In Moisture
Fights Bacteria
Antioxidant Protection
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic humectant and preservative booster developed in the 20th century. Used in cosmetics to enhance hydration and improve formulation stability beyond traditional plant-based alternatives.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Moderate Irritant
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR