Butylene glycol (1.3-Butanediol) is a small organic alcohol used as solvent and conditioning agent.
Formula
C4H10O2
Mol. Weight
90.12
CAS #
107-88-0, 6290-03-5
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Conditioning Agent
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic humectant and preservative booster developed in the 20th century for cosmetic use. Created to enhance hydration and improve product stability without the greasiness of older glycerin-based formulations.
