Good Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

1,2-Butanediol

INCI: 1,2-BUTANEDIOL

CAS Number
584-03-2
Function
Solvent, humectant, skin conditioning
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes CIR reviewed (1,2-diols group): safe as used

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
Combustible liquid May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes. Exposure at high levels could cause lowering of consciousness. If swallowed the substance easily enters the airways and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.

Expert Verdict

No significant concerns at typical cosmetic use levels; structurally distinct from neurotoxic 2,5-hexanediol.

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

epa_safer_alternative

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1,2-Butanediol safe in cosmetics?

No significant concerns at typical cosmetic use levels; structurally distinct from neurotoxic 2,5-hexanediol. The EU classifies 1,2-Butanediol as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is 1,2-Butanediol allowed in the EU?

1,2-Butanediol EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does 1,2-Butanediol do in cosmetics?

1,2-Butanediol functions as: Solvent, humectant, skin conditioning. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 584-03-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for 1,2-Butanediol?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Is 1,2-Butanediol classified as hazardous under GHS?

1,2-Butanediol carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Combustible liquid May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check 1,2-Butanediol compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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