Butylene Glycol

Synonyms:  Butane-1,3-diol; 1,3-butylene glycol; b-butylene glycol; 1,3-dihydroxybutane; methyltrimethylene glycol.

Description: Butylene glycol occurs as a clear, colorless, viscous liquid with a sweet flavor and bitter aftertaste.

Chemical Name: 1,3-Butanediol

Antimicrobial preservative; humectant; solvent; water-miscible cosolvent.

• Butylene glycol is used as a solvent and cosolvent for injectables.

• It is used in topical ointments, creams, and lotions, and it is also used as a vehicle in transdermal patches.

• Butylene glycol is a good solvent for many pharmaceuticals, especially estrogenic substances.

• In an oil-in-water emulsion, butylene glycol exerts its best antimicrobial effects at 8% concentration.

• Higher concentrations above 16.7% are required to inhibit fungal growth

Butylene glycol is incompatible with oxidizing reagents.

Butylene glycol is used in a wide variety of cosmetic formulations and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic material. It is mildly toxic by oral and subcutaneous routes. In topical preparations, butylene glycol is regarded as minimally irritant. Butylene glycol can cause allergic contact dermatitis, with local sensitivity reported in patch tests. Some local irritation is produced on eye contact.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of the material handled. Butylene glycol should be handled in a well-ventilated environment; eye protection is recommended. Butylene glycol is combustible when exposed to heat or flame.

Propylene glycol.