Why BG is in many cosmetics and its safety

What is BG?

An ingredient listed as BG in the ingredient list for cosmetics. Its official name is "butylene glycol" or "1,3-butylene glycol." It is an organic alcohol obtained by distilling corn, sugar cane, or petroleum. It is a colorless, viscous, water-soluble liquid.

It is generally known as a safe ingredient that causes little irritation to the skin and is used in many skin care products. In recent years, it is increasingly being used in place of PG (propylene glycol), which is more irritating to the skin.

Why is BG used in cosmetics?

Toners, milky lotions, cleansers, sheet masks... BG is not only used in basic skin care products. It is also often used in makeup and hair care products.

The reason why BG is used in many cosmetics is because it is an ingredient that plays multiple roles. For example, BG has the following functions:

Moisturizes the skin

BG attracts moisture to the skin and keeps it moisturized.

Softens the skin

Butylene glycol also has an emollient effect . It coats the surface of the skin, forming a barrier to prevent moisture loss. Retaining moisture on the surface makes the skin softer.

Dissolve the other ingredients

It dissolves and stabilizes other ingredients, which is why it is also used as an extractant when extracting plant extracts.

Gives stability

It helps to prevent active ingredients and volatile compounds from losing their effectiveness and aroma, and also prevents the product from crystallizing and drying out.

Antiseptic effect

BG has antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can enhance the preservative effect of cosmetics. It also works to prevent spoilage caused by microorganisms.

Improves the texture of cosmetics

It reduces the viscosity of cosmetics and maintains a smooth feel when used, making them easier to apply to the face and body.

BG is considered safe for most people

BG has been evaluated as safe by many organizations. It is also low in irritation to the skin and rarely causes allergic reactions . For this reason, it is often used in products for sensitive skin and topical medicines.

However, anyone can have an allergic reaction to almost any cosmetic ingredient, and the same goes for BG. The possibility of an allergic reaction is not completely zero.

A case of BG allergy was reported by the Japanese Dermatological Association in 2014. The case shows a 28-year-old woman who had an allergic reaction to BG contained in cosmetics. However, at the same time, it is stated that allergic reactions to BG are not common.

Are BG and PG similar?

BG is sometimes said to be similar to another cosmetic ingredient, propylene glycol (PG). Indeed, the molecular structure is similar, and the moisturizing and preservative effects are expected to be the same.

However, there are some differences in terms of the purpose of their inclusion in cosmetics and safety.
PG is often cited as a concern due to its skin penetration and allergenicity, and although risk assessments are controversial, BG appears to be increasingly being chosen as a safer option for the skin.

I want to choose a gentler option that suits my skin type and condition.