3-Butanediol ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used as a humectant and solvent, helping formulas hold water while dissolving actives, preservatives, and fragrance components. It can also improve slip and reduce tack in water-based products.
What does 3-Butanediol do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used as a humectant and solvent, helping formulas hold water while dissolving actives, preservatives, and fragrance components. It can also improve slip and reduce tack in water-based products.
Is 3-Butanediol clean?
It is generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels, with low irritation potential compared with many smaller alcohols. Clean-beauty friction usually relates to whether it is petroleum-derived or bio-based, rather than a major safety concern.
Is 3-Butanediol sustainable?
This material can be made from petrochemical feedstocks or through fermentation from renewable sugars, so its sustainability profile depends heavily on sourcing. It is water soluble and expected to biodegrade readily, with low persistence concerns.
Is 3-Butanediol COSMOS-approved?
It can fit COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic formulas when produced from approved renewable feedstocks and processed under the standard. Petroleum-derived versions are a weaker fit with COSMOS and Green Chemistry, while fermentation routes align better with renewable sourcing and biodegradability principles.
How does 3-Butanediol work chemically?
The molecule is a small, water-miscible four-carbon diol, with hydroxyl groups that bind water and help solubilize polar and moderately polar materials. It is typically used in leave-on and rinse-off formulas at low single-digit percentages, remains stable across common cosmetic pH ranges, and pairs well with glycerin, glycols, and preservative systems.
Last updated 2026-05-13