Brilio.net - Butylene glycol may sound foreign to some people, but this ingredient is actually often found in various beauty products, from moisturizers, serums, to make-up. This ingredient is a type of organic alcohol that is often used in the cosmetics industry because of its various benefits for the skin. However, what exactly is the function of butylene glycol, and is this ingredient safe to use in your daily skincare routine?
Butylene glycol acts as a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the surrounding environment and holds it in the skin. This makes it very effective in keeping the skin moisturized and preventing it from drying out. In addition, butylene glycol is also used as a solvent, helping the active ingredients in beauty products absorb more easily into the skin. Not only that, this ingredient also acts as an emollient that helps the skin feel smoother and softer after using the product.
Interested in learning more about the benefits, side effects, and how butylene glycol works in beauty products? Check out the information below in full, as briliobeauty.net has compiled from various sources, Thursday (8/29).
What is butylene glycol?
Butylene glycol
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Butylene glycol is an organic compound that belongs to the glycol group. According to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist from New York quoted by Healthline, Butylene glycol functions as a solvent, preservative, and moisturizer in beauty products. This ingredient also helps increase the absorption of other active ingredients into the skin.
Uses of butylene glycol in beauty products.
Butylene glycol
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Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital Dermatology, explains to WebMD that Butylene glycol has several important uses:
1. Attracts and binds moisture to the skin.
2. Helps extend the shelf life of products.
3. Helps dissolve other ingredients in the formula.
4. Increase the absorption of other active ingredients.
Safety of butylene glycol.
Butylene glycol
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Butylene glycol is generally considered safe for use in beauty products, according to Dr. Shereene Idriss, a cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York, as quoted by Healthline. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use in cosmetics and personal care products.
However, as with any ingredient, some people may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions. Dr. King adds that these cases are extremely rare.
Research and scientific findings.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and discussed on WebMD on Thursday (8/29) showed that butylene glycol has a very low potential for irritation. Dr. Zeichner explained that in the concentrations used in beauty products, Butylene glycol is safe for most people.
The Mayo Clinic also notes that the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an independent panel of experts, has evaluated the safety of Butylene glycol and concluded that it is safe to use in cosmetics and personal care products.
Myth vs Fact
Regarding the butylene glycol material circulating on social media, this material has several myths, one of which is that it is a chemical. These myths were denied by Dr. Idriss who denied several common myths about Butylene glycol:
1. Myth: Butylene glycol is a dangerous chemical.
Fact: Butylene glycol is an organic compound that is generally considered safe in cosmetic use.
2. Myth: Butylene glycol causes skin irritation in everyone.
Fact: Adverse reactions to Butylene glycol are very rare.
3. Myth: "Butylene glycol-free" products are always better.
Fact: Butylene glycol has important uses in product formulations and does not need to be avoided unless you have a specific sensitivity.
Although generally safe, Dr. King advises caution in certain situations, such as those with sensitive skin and a history of allergies to cosmetic ingredients.