Is 1,2-Butanediol safe in cosmetics?
1,2-Butanediol has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
1,2-Butanediol
Also known as: 4-01-00-02507, BRN 0969169, EINECS 209-527-2, UNII-RUN0H01QEU, 1,2-(Dihydroxy)butane (+3 more)
INCI: 1,2-BUTANEDIOL
1,2-Butanediol (CAS 584-03-2) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Solvent, humectant, skin conditioning. Reported NOAEL =200 mg/kg bw/day in Rat (ECHA); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted; GHS signal word WARNING. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
Function
Solvent, humectant, skin conditioning
Editorial assessment
GOOD
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR reviewed (1,2-diols group): safe as used
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for 1,2-Butanediol.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
1 study endpoint found for 1,2-Butanediol. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =200 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ECHA |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
CancerHealth 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.
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
100 - 1,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Solvent
Viscosity modifier
Regulatory List Membership (1)
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for 1,2-Butanediol — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
epa_safer_alternative
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to 1,2-Butanediol by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
1
Lowest NOAEL
200 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
200 mg/kg bw/day
ECHA
Known Synonyms
4-01-00-02507
BRN 0969169
EINECS 209-527-2
UNII-RUN0H01QEU
1,2-(Dihydroxy)butane
Ethylethylene glycol
alpha-Butylene glycol
alpha-Butyleneglycol
Chemical Function
Solvent
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Viscosity modifier
Regulatory Lists
SCIL (9/2019)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
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 NOAEL for 1,2-Butanediol?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for 1,2-Butanediol is =200 mg/kg bw/day based on a reproduction developmental study via oral route in Rat. Source: ECHA.
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.
Is 1,2-Butanediol used outside cosmetics?
1,2-Butanediol also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Compliance Tools
Check 1,2-Butanediol compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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