murphy2,3-Butanediol
AKA: 513-85-9, Butane-2, 3-diol, 3-butylene glycol, 3-Dihydroxybutane, Dimethylethylene glycol, Pseudobutylene glycol, Sym-dimethylethylene glycol
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginSynthesized from petroleum-derived hydrocarbons or bio-based starting materials through chemical oxidation and reduction processes. Produced via catalytic hydrogenation of diacetyl or acetoin, or through fermentation-based synthesis pathways.
The Panel also concluded that the available data are insufficient to make a determination that ... 2,3-Butanediol ... is safe under the intended conditions of use in cosmetic formulations.
Solubility In water, miscible at 20 °C
Formula
C4H10O2
Mol. Weight
90.12
CAS #
513-85-9, 5341-95-7, 24347-58-8
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Locks In Moisture
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 731)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 731)
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 731)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2024
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR