Good Humectant NOAEL Data GHS Classified Dermal Penetration

Butylene Glycol

INCI: BUTYLENE GLYCOL

CAS Number
107-88-0
Function
Diol humectant and solvent. Attracts water into the stratum corneum. Lighter sensory profile and lower irritation potential than propylene glycol. Used in sensitive-skin formulations.
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes CIR reviewed; considered safe. Preferred over propylene glycol in sensitive-skin formulations due to lower irritation profile. Not comedogenic at standard use levels.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Butylene Glycol. 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 750 mg/kg bw/day oral dog Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 5000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 7060 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 5000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Reproductive COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 5000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Reproductive-developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 10000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Multigeneration Reproductive COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 5000 mg/kg bw/day oral dog Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 6000 mg/kg bw/day oral dog Subchronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 5000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 750 mg/kg bw/day oral dog Chronic COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour.

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Butylene Glycol, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
12-25%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis
Molecular Weight
90.1 Da
Log P
-0.5
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
8-20%
Safety Margin Factor
moderate
Vehicle Dependent
Yes โ€” absorption varies by formulation

Source: CIR

Expert Verdict

Preferred diol humectant for sensitive-skin formulations with lighter sensory profile and lower irritation potential compared to propylene glycol. Non-occlusive hygroscopic mechanism with excellent tolerability on sensitive and reactive skin.

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Butylene Glycol safe in cosmetics?

Preferred diol humectant for sensitive-skin formulations with lighter sensory profile and lower irritation potential compared to propylene glycol. Non-occlusive hygroscopic mechanism with excellent tolerability on sensitive and reactive skin. The EU classifies Butylene Glycol as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Butylene Glycol allowed in the EU?

Butylene Glycol EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Butylene Glycol do in cosmetics?

Butylene Glycol functions as: Diol humectant and solvent. Attracts water into the stratum corneum. Lighter sensory profile and lower irritation potential than propylene glycol. Used in sensitive-skin formulations.. It is classified as a Humectant in our database. CAS number: 107-88-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Butylene Glycol?

not established 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.

What is the NOAEL for Butylene Glycol?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Butylene Glycol is 750 mg/kg bw/day based on a Chronic study via oral route in dog. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

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