The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Butylene Glycol
aka 1,3-butanediol · 1,3-butylene glycol
Ubiquitous multi-functional humectant and solvent appearing extensively in K-beauty essences and gel moisturisers.
- Humectant — binds water in stratum corneum
- Solubilises hydrophilic actives
- Improves spreadability and skin feel
- Mild antimicrobial preservation booster
- Compatible with virtually all cosmetic ingredients
- K-beauty essences
- Gel moisturisers
- Toners
- Eye serums
- Sheet mask solutions
Water-soluble across all pH ranges. At concentrations >5% provides meaningful humectant function.
At >15% can cause mild irritation and dryness via osmotic effects. Some clean lists flag it as synthetic though no established health risk.
Mixed. Broadly accepted in K-beauty and mainstream. Some brands flag petrochemical synthesis. EWG 1–2. No meaningful safety controversy.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Butylene Glycol
aka 1,3-butanediol · 1,3-butylene glycol
Ubiquitous multi-functional humectant and solvent appearing extensively in K-beauty essences and gel moisturisers.
- Humectant — binds water in stratum corneum
- Solubilises hydrophilic actives
- Improves spreadability and skin feel
- Mild antimicrobial preservation booster
- Compatible with virtually all cosmetic ingredients
- K-beauty essences
- Gel moisturisers
- Toners
- Eye serums
- Sheet mask solutions
Water-soluble across all pH ranges. At concentrations >5% provides meaningful humectant function.
At >15% can cause mild irritation and dryness via osmotic effects. Some clean lists flag it as synthetic though no established health risk.
Mixed. Broadly accepted in K-beauty and mainstream. Some brands flag petrochemical synthesis. EWG 1–2. No meaningful safety controversy.