#4 SINFUL SYNTHETICS? SPOTLIGHT ON BUTYLENE GLYCOL

BUTYLENE GLYCOL 

Butylene Glycol is a synthetic compound commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products as a humectant (moisture-binding agent), solvent, and preservative. It helps products retain moisture, improves texture, and can enhance the absorption of other ingredients into the skin. So, if your product contains more harmful synthetics like Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol enhances the penetration to deeper layers of the skin and of course, the body.

This organic alcohol, also known as a diol, is derived from sources like distilled corn, petroleum, and sugarcane.  It may be considered ‘organic’ when it is obtained by fermentation from sugar. It’s a colourless, thick, water-soluble liquid commonly added to skincare formulations.

Chemically, butylene glycol consists of a structure with four carbon atoms and two alcohol groups.

Some manufacturers use it as an alternative to propylene glycol, another popular ingredient in skincare.

Butylene glycol has antimicrobial properties, which enhance the effectiveness of preservatives and help prevent spoilage caused by microorganisms.

While experts generally consider butylene glycol safe for use, there is limited research on its long-term effects. Short-term side effects may include skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Butylene glycol and propylene glycol share many similarities. They’re both colourless liquids derived from petroleum, used as solvents and serve similar functions in skincare products. In addition to its use in cosmetics, butylene glycol is also found in plastics manufacturing, as a food additive, and even in de-icing products for planes. Another concern is its use in antifreeze, where it helps lower the freezing point of water.

Is this ingredient something we really want on our skin? Do we truly need its ability to enhance the absorption of other potentially harmful synthetic chemicals?

While it is approved for use in personal care products by regulatory bodies like the FDA and the European Commission, there are concerns surrounding its safety, especially with long-term use.

Key Concerns about Butylene Glycol in Skincare:

Skin Irritation and Sensitization: Butylene Glycol can cause skin irritation, especially for sensitive individuals. It can trigger allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like redness, rashes, or itching. While it is generally considered safe for most skin types in low concentrations, some people with sensitive skin or those prone to eczema and dermatitis may react negatively.

Potential to Disrupt the Skin Barrier: When used in higher concentrations, Butylene Glycol may disrupt the skin's natural barrier function. This could lead to increased moisture loss and make the skin more vulnerable to external irritants, pathogens, and environmental stressors.

Toxicity Concerns: Some studies have raised concerns about the potential toxicity of Butylene Glycol when absorbed through the skin. It has been found to have a slight to moderate level of toxicity in animal studies, particularly with prolonged or large-scale exposure. While the concentrations used in cosmetics are typically low, repeated exposure over time could potentially lead to health risks.

Endocrine Disruption Potential: There are concerns that Butylene Glycol, along with other similar glycols, may interfere with the endocrine system, though evidence is still limited. Endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormone regulation, potentially affecting reproductive and metabolic health.

Contamination with Impurities: During manufacturing, Butylene Glycol can sometimes be contaminated with harmful by-products, such as 1,4-dioxane, which is a known carcinogen. Though manufacturers typically filter out these contaminants, testing has shown that some products still contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, adding an additional layer of concern.

Regulatory Perspective:

The Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed Butylene Glycol as safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations of up to 50%. However, it's important to note that regulatory bodies don’t always account for cumulative or long-term exposure to ingredients, and safety assessments may differ across different products and usage scenarios.

Why It’s Considered Risky for Skincare:

The primary reason Butylene Glycol is often flagged as a potential concern is its ability to penetrate the skin and carry other substances with it, which could increase the absorption of potentially harmful ingredients. This means that, while it may make products feel smoother and help hydrate the skin, it could also inadvertently deliver more toxic substances into the body over time.

Who Should Avoid It:

Sensitive Skin: Those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, rosacea, or dermatitis should be cautious, as Butylene Glycol may exacerbate these conditions.

Pregnant or Nursing Women: If there is concern about hormonal disruption, pregnant or nursing women may want to avoid products containing Butylene Glycol, though conclusive studies linking it to such effects in humans are still lacking.

Those Avoiding Synthetic Ingredients: If you follow a natural or clean beauty regimen, Butylene Glycol may not align with your preference for all-natural, plant-based ingredients.

Alternatives:

If you prefer to avoid Butylene Glycol, we use more natural humectants like hyaluronic acid, which provide similar moisturizing benefits without the potential risks associated with synthetic glycols.

In summary, while Butylene Glycol is widely used in the cosmetic industry and is considered safe by many regulatory bodies in low concentrations, there are concerns about its potential to irritate skin, its toxicity with long-term use, and its possible contamination with harmful by-products. If you're wary of synthetic ingredients or have sensitive skin, it might be a good idea to avoid products containing Butylene Glycol.

We choose NOTto use Butylene Glycol in our products for several reasons: 

1. Butylene Glycol is a chemical compound that is often derived from petroleum according to INCI Beauty.

2. Although it is considered the least irritating of glycols, in sensitive individuals, butylene glycol may be irritating to skin, eyes and nasal passages.

3. Butylene Glycol is a petroleum derived ingredient. Petroleum derived ingredients are also known as xenoestrogens and directly impact the hormone cascade of the body.

4. Butylene glycol has not been deeply studied in pregnant women. A 1985 study of pregnant rats demonstrated that this ingredient had negative effects on the developing animals.

©  January 2025 Nella Pidutti

Sohma Naturals Skin Care Manufacturing

Authentically Natural | Thoughtfully Formulated | Organic Skin Care