Is 1,3-Butylene Glycol Beneficial for Skin? Let’s Find Out!

A natural diol that is extremely pure, clear, and odorless is known as 1,3-butylene glycol. It is a typical humectant used in cosmetics as a solvent, skin moisturizer, and fragrance enhancer. It is well recognized in the cosmetic industry for boosting preservative systems and having high moisturizing properties. Molds, yeasts, and both gram-positive and gram-negative microbes are all inhibited by it.

As per P&S Intelligence, the 1,3-butylene glycol market is expected to reach $269.1 million by 2030, progressing at a 5.9% CAGR from 2021 to 2030, principally as a result of the rising need for this chemical from the culinary, paints and coatings, plasticizer, cosmetics, ink, and pharmaceutical sectors. Additionally, a lot of cosmetic manufacturers include butylene glycol in their face masks, eyeliners, and cleansers.

Benefits of 1,3-Butylene Glycol

Maintains Texture: - Most skin care treatments use 1, 3-butylene glycol primarily as a solvent. In formulations, solvents keep components from clumping or becoming gritty by keeping them suspended.

Moisturizes and Softens: - 1,3-butylene glycol is an emollient in addition to attracting moisture to the skin. It covers the skin's surface, forming a wall that stops the loss of water. Additionally, it softens and conditions both hair and skin.

Reduces Viscosity: - By lowering the viscosity of the product, 1,3-butylene glycol prevents other constituents from adhering to one another. So, people can easily and uniformly apply it on their skin, maintaining the smooth consistency of the products is crucial.

Stabilizes Products: - Additionally, 1,3-butylene glycol serves as a stabilizer, preserving the taste and fragrance of active substances and volatile chemicals. Moreover, it stops items from drying out and crystallizing.

Treats Acne Symptoms: - 1,3-butylene glycol is a component that producers frequently use in anti-acne moisturizers, according to older research. Although 1,3-butylene glycol does not directly treat acne, its antibacterial and moisturizing qualities may be used to alleviate its accompanying symptoms in the skin that is prone to acne.

Hydrates Skin: - The humectant 1,3-butylene glycol has these qualities. Humectants draw and bind water, frequently from the skin's deeper layers to the epidermis. They aid in maintaining the skin's moisture and hydration.

1,3-Butylene Glycol vs. Propylene Glycol

There are significant similarities between propylene glycol and 1,3-butylene glycol. These are neutral liquids made from petroleum that are employed as solvents and have comparable functions in the manufacture of skincare products. Propylene glycol is often regarded as safe to utilize as a food additive and a component in many cosmetic products, just like 1,3-butylene glycol. Both are employed by manufacturers as antifreeze.

Although this is the case, both are less harmful than ethylene glycol, a chemical compound that is similar yet toxic. This substance can be poisonous and is frequently found in antifreeze. More propylene glycol than butylene glycol is used by manufacturers. Propylene glycol may be utilized as food additive, antifreeze, texturizer, or medication stabilizer.

Hence, 1,3-butylene glycol is used by manufacturers in a wide variety of skin products as a moisturizer, solvent, humectant, and preservative. Therefore, the global demand for 1,3-butylene glycol is increasing year by year.