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Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Butylene Glycol is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US; Pentylene Glycol is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Butylene Glycol | Pentylene Glycol |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Allowed | Allowed |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | low | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | humectant | humectant |
| Where it hides | COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Laneige Water Sleeping Mask | Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster, Tatcha The Water Cream |
Butylene glycol (1,3-butanediol) is a small diol used in cosmetics as a humectant, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent. It is closely related to propylene glycol but has a slightly larger molecular structure, often making it even better tolerated.
Pentylene glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient used as a humectant, solvent, and antimicrobial/preservative booster. It is increasingly used as a 'natural' alternative to traditional glycols and can be derived from sugarcane.
Butylene Glycol: Butylene glycol has a good safety profile and is better tolerated by sensitive skin than propylene glycol at equivalent concentrations. The CIR has confirmed it safe for cosmetic use. It is non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic, and not an endocrine disruptor. Contact sensitization is rare. It is widely used in Korean beauty (K-beauty) formulations as a preferred humectant.
Pentylene Glycol: Pentylene glycol has a good safety and tolerability profile. It is less irritating than propylene glycol and is suitable for sensitive skin formulations. No carcinogenic or endocrine effects are identified. It is COSMOS/ECOCERT acceptable when bio-based. Minor irritation is possible at high concentrations in compromised skin.
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