IHL · Humectants & solvents
Butylene Glycol
Market alert
Nationwide supply constraint. Plant-derived butylene glycol has been effectively unpurchasable across the US market since August 2026 — every natural-grade SKU at Lotioncrafter and Formulator Sample Shop is out of stock, and only petrochemical grade is buyable. We hold allocated inventory on both grades. If you are formulating a natural claim around BG, talk to us before you commit a launch date.
- INCI name
- Butylene Glycol
- CAS number
- 107-88-0
- EC number
- 203-529-7
- Physical form
- Liquid
- Country of origin
- Japan · China · USA
- HS code
- 2905.39
- Grade
- Cosmetic
- Shelf life
- 24–36 months
The glycol that carries what glycerin cannot. Lower molecular weight, less tack, and a far better extraction solvent for botanicals.
| Appearance | Clear colorless viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Odour | Odorless to nearly odorless |
| Solubility | Miscible with water and alcohol; not oil-soluble |
| Melting point | Freezing point well below 0 °C · Bp ~207 °C |
| pH | ~5–7 (10% aqueous) |
| HLB | n/a |
| Storage | Cool, sealed. Hygroscopic — keep the drum closed. |
| Manufacturing process | Petrochemical grade: acetaldehyde aldol condensation then hydrogenation. Bio-based grade: fermentation. |
Certifications
- Gluten-free
- Palm-free
- Vegan
In full: Vegan · Gluten-free · Palm-free · Bio-based grade available
| Application | Use rate |
|---|---|
| Humectant, lotion and cream | 2–5% |
| Toner | 2–8% |
| General humectant / solvent | 1–10% |
| Botanical extraction solvent | up to 30% |
Formulation notes
- Less tacky than glycerin at the same use level. If your toner feels sticky, this is the swap.
- The best of the common cosmetic extraction solvents for botanicals — it pulls a broader range of actives than water or glycerin alone.
- Petrochemical unless you specify bio-based. If you carry a natural or ISO 16128 claim, the grade matters and the price difference is real.
Applications
- Toner and essence
- Lotion and cream
- Serum
- Botanical extraction
- Conditioner
- Sheet mask essence
Not classified as hazardous
Not classified as hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HazCom 2012, as amended 2024). Determination to be confirmed against the incoming lot's manufacturer SDS before publication.
- Transport classification
- Not regulated for transport — DOT, IATA, IMDG.
- Allergen statement
- No FDA major food allergen.
California Proposition 65
No listed constituent identified.
- SDS Safety Data Sheet On request
- TDS Technical Data Sheet On request
- COA Certificate of Analysis On request
- Allergen Allergen statement On request
- GMO GMO statement On request
- BSE/TSE BSE/TSE statement On request
- Vegan Vegan statement On request
- RSPO RSPO certificate On request
We send documents on request. No account, no vendor-qualification fee. Ask for Butylene Glycol documents.