Butylene Glycol

BYOO-til-een GLY-kol

Humectant, Solvent 8/10 Safety CG ApprovedClean Synthetic Vegan

What Is Butylene Glycol?

A small-molecule humectant and solvent widely used in hair and skin care. It provides moisture retention, improves product texture, and helps other ingredients penetrate the hair.

Source: Synthesized from petroleum-derived or bio-based feedstock

Origin: Synthetic

Also known as: 1,3-Butanediol, BG

What Does Butylene Glycol Do to Your Hair?

Acts as a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in hair. Also functions as a solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improves product penetration. Enhances the feel and spreadability of formulations.

Best For

All hair types, dry hair

Not Recommended For

None known

Concentration Matters

1-10% in products

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Approved
CG Approved

Safety & Regulation

8/10
AvoidCautionSafe

Very safe for cosmetic use with an extensive safety record. Non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. Commonly used in pharmaceutical products as well.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA permits use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals without restrictions.

EWG Score: 1/10

HairAide Verdict

A safe, effective humectant and solvent that you will find in countless hair products. Does its job well with no concerns. Less likely to cause irritation than propylene glycol.

Products That Contain Butylene Glycol

Conditioners, serums, leave-in treatments, styling products, shampoos

Alternatives to Butylene Glycol

If you want to avoid Butylene Glycol, look for products with these ingredients instead:

Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Butylene Glycol safe for hair?

Yes, Butylene Glycol has a safety rating of 8/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Very safe for cosmetic use with an extensive safety record. Non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. Commonly used in pharmaceutical products as well.

Is Butylene Glycol bad for curly hair?

Butylene Glycol is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.

Is Butylene Glycol CG-method approved?

Yes, Butylene Glycol is approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Butylene Glycol?

Some alternatives to Butylene Glycol include: Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol

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