1,3-Butanediol (Butylene Glycol)

Product Appearance:

• Form: Clear, colorless, thin liquid.
• Odor: Virtually odorless.
• Texture: Very light and watery; it has the lowest “tack” or stickiness of all the common glycols. It absorbs into the skin almost instantly.

Product Solubility:

• Water: Fully soluble and miscible.
• Alcohol: Fully soluble.
• Oil: Insoluble.

Possible Usage Rate:

• Sheet Mask Essences: 5% – 10%
• Lightweight Toners: 1% – 5%
• Acne Treatments: 2% – 7%
• Water-Based Gels: 3% – 8%

Stable pH Range in Formula: 3.0 – 10.0

Product Description

1,3-Butanediol is a small-molecule humectant and solvent. While it performs a similar function to Propylene Glycol, it is preferred in prestige skincare because it is significantly “cleaner” in feel. It is highly effective at thinning out the viscosity of a product, making it essential for “watery” textures like essences or sprayable toners. In addition to its hydrating properties, it has inherent antimicrobial properties, which helps to boost the preservative system of a formula. It is often used to stabilize fragrance oils in water-based systems and is the “go-to” solvent for botanical extracts intended for oily or combination skin because it doesn’t leave any oily residue or “weight.”

Possible Uses/Applications:

• Lightweight Hydrating Essences: Providing deep humectancy with a water-like, non-tacky finish.
• Sheet Mask Liquids: Acting as a primary solvent to hold botanical extracts and deliver them efficiently to the skin.
• Clarifying Gel Cleansers: Helping to dissolve sebum and impurities while maintaining a smooth, clear gel structure.
• Oil-Free Moisturizers: Delivering essential moisture to oily or acne-prone skin without the weight of traditional lipids.

Formulation Guidelines

• The “Weightless” Humectant: If you find Glycerin too heavy or Propanediol too “silky,” 1,3-Butanediol is the answer. It provides moisture that the user cannot “feel” on the surface of the skin.
• Solubilizing Actives: It is excellent for dissolving active ingredients that are prone to recrystallization, such as Salicylic Acid or certain Vitamin C derivatives.
• Texture Modifier: It reduces the “drag” of a cream, helping it spread more like a “gel-cream” than a traditional heavy lotion.
• Cold Processable: Can be added to the water phase at any stage.

Safety Guidelines

• Low Irritation Potential: It is considered one of the safest and least irritating glycols, frequently used in products designed for the delicate eye area.
• Non-Comedogenic: It does not clog pores, making it the superior choice for acne-prone skin types compared to heavier solvents.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Like all glycols, it is hygroscopic and should be kept tightly sealed.

Please Note:

All the products supplied are for cosmetic use (cosmetic formulations) – for external use only.