Butylene Glycol

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Butylene Glycol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Butylene Glycol is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: generally safe to use on the skin in normal cosmetic products. The main issue is that it can irritate the skin, eyes, or lungs in some people.

What to Do

Before using a new product, do a small patch test on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Avoid getting products with butylene glycol in your eyes or breathing in sprays or mists that contain it. If you have sensitive skin, choose products with fewer ingredients or look for products labeled for sensitive skin. Stop use if you get redness, burning, or trouble breathing and see a doctor if symptoms are severe.

⚠️Warnings

The biggest warning comes from cosmetic safety reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review): butylene glycol can cause irritation to skin, eyes, or lungs in some people. Also note industry reviewers point out limits on how much is safe in products and some gaps in safety testing — so avoid using high-concentration, leave-on products if you have sensitive skin. If a product lists this ingredient and causes irritation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: Used on skin, this ingredient has strong human evidence of causing skin, eye, or lung irritation and is reported as a moderate concern. An industry safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) specifically notes irritation risk, so it can cause redness, stinging, or breathing irritation in sensitive children.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Butylene Glycol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

butylene glycol12843-EP2305682A112843-EP2311802A112843-EP2311494A112843-EP2308879A112843-EP2305683A112843-EP2311803A1BUTANE-1,3-DIOL, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARD12843-EP2308812A212843-EP2305689A112843-EP2308860A1

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Butylene Glycol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Butylene Glycol or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Butylene Glycol

Is this safe for adults to use Butylene Glycol?

Yes, Butylene Glycol is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Butylene Glycol for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What products contain Butylene Glycol?

Butylene Glycol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Butylene Glycol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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