Butoxyethanol

Butoxyethanol

AKA “2-Butoxyethanol, Butyl glycol, Butyl cellosolve, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, n-Butoxyethanol, Butyl oxitol, Dowanol EB”

Synthetic

Ingredient Facts

Butoxyethanol

AKA: 2-Butoxyethanol, Butyl glycol, Butyl cellosolve, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, N-Butoxyethanol, Butyl oxitol, Dowanol EB

Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 8

Synthetic

Emollient

Cleanser

Solvent

Skin Conditioner

Synthetic

Not Clean

A lightweight solvent that helps blend ingredients smoothly and keeps the formula at the right consistency for easy application.

Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

C6H14O2

Mol. Weight

118.17

CAS #

111-76-2

Form

Liquid

State

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether appears as a colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 160 °F. Irritates skin and eyes and may be toxic by ingestion. Used as a so

See origin →

Functions

Solvent

Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.

Viscosity Controlling

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Emollient

Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.

Moisturizing

Locks in moisture to keep skin soft and supple throughout the day

Strengthens Barrier

Provides scent

Dissolves other ingredients

Controls product thickness

Traditional Use

A synthetic solvent first synthesized in the early 20th century and incorporated into cosmetics as a solubilizer and preservative booster. It has no traditional cosmetic or medicinal use.