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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; Sodium PCA is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Butylene Glycol | Sodium PCA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost range, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, Paula's Choice Moisturizer formulas |
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.
Sodium PCA (sodium L-pyroglutamate) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid, a naturally occurring component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). It is an exceptionally effective humectant with a higher water-binding capacity than glycerin.
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.
Sodium PCA: Sodium PCA is one of the safest and most skin-compatible humectants available. It is endogenous to healthy skin and has no known adverse effects. The CIR has confirmed its safety. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic, and safe for all skin types.
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