Butylene Glycol (CAS 107-88-0), chemically identified as 1,3-butanediol, is a high-purity aliphatic diol functioning as a superior humectant and solvent in cosmetic skin care formulation and topical pharmaceutical vehicles. This clear, odorless, and viscous liquid, widely technically recognized for its antimicrobial properties, acts to decrease viscosity and prevent the drying out of products, serving as a safer, less irritating alternative to Propylene Glycol in hypoallergenic serums, sheet masks, and herbal extracts. We provide bulk supply of this cosmetic grade ingredient with competitive factory pricing to ensure formulation safety for personal care brands. Our production process guarantees strict control over residual ketones, making MSDS, TDS, COA available alongside customized specifications to meet global cosmetic compliance standards.
Butylene Glycol CAS 107-88-0
- CAS: 107-88-0
- Synonyms: 1,3-Butanediol, 1,3-Butylene glycol, Butane-1,3-diol, Methyl trimethylene glycol, 1,3-Dihydroxybutane
- Einecs: 203-529-7
- Molecular Formula: C4H10O2
- Grade: Electron Grade, Industrial Grade, Medicine Grade
- Package: 200 kg galvanized drums or 1,000 kg IBC tanks; flexitank loading available for bulk orders
Product Description
Product Overview
Butylene Glycol (1,3-Butanediol, 1,3-Butylene Glycol) is a clear, colorless, low-odor diol used widely as a humectant, solvent and viscosity modifier in cosmetics, personal care and various industrial formulations. It offers excellent water solubility, good compatibility with surfactants and polymers, and helps improve skin feel, moisture retention and product stability.
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Physicochemical Properties
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Butylene Glycol; 1,3-Butanediol; 1,3-Butylene Glycol |
| CAS No. | 107-88-0 |
| EINECS / EC No. | 203-529-7 |
| Molecular formula | C₄H₁₀O₂ |
| Molecular weight | 90.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, clear, viscous liquid, practically odorless |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.5% (1,3-Butylene Glycol) |
| Water content | ≤0.5% (w/w) |
| Color (Pt-Co) | ≤10 (Hazen) |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.00–1.01 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index (n²⁰ᴰ) | 1.4390–1.4410 |
| Boiling point | ~203–207 °C at 101.3 kPa |
| Melting point | approx. −50 to −54 °C |
| Vapor pressure | ~0.06 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Flash point (closed cup) | ~108 °C |
| Solubility | Completely miscible with water, soluble in alcohols and glycols; low solubility in hydrocarbons |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage and handling conditions |
(Typical data – not to be used as a guaranteed specification. Detailed COA is available on request.)
Applications
1. Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Humectant and moisturizing agent in lotions, creams, serums, masks and cleansers
- Solvent and carrier for preservatives, actives and fragrances
- Viscosity modifier and freeze-thaw stabilizer in water-based formulations
- Helps improve skin feel and reduces tackiness of high-glycerin systems
2. Home & Industrial Cleaners
- Solvent and coupling agent in water-based cleaners and detergents
- Improves stability and clarity of surfactant systems
3. Industrial & Chemical Uses
- Intermediate in the synthesis of plasticizers, resins and specialty chemicals
- Auxiliary solvent in ink, coating and adhesive formulations
4. Flavor & Food-Related Uses
- Listed as a flavoring substance and solvent in some flavor applications (subject to local food regulations and purity requirements).
For detailed application discussion or formulation advice, please email info@industrochem.com with your end-use and target specifications.
For related glycol-based formulation raw materials, see Propylene Glycol and 1,2-Hexanediol.
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Recommended storage temperature: 5–30 °C.
- Keep containers tightly closed; product is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from air.
- Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides and strong reducing agents.
Under proper storage conditions, shelf life is typically 12–24 months in original unopened packaging.
Safety Precautions
- Generally considered to have low acute toxicity; however, direct contact may cause mild eye or skin irritation.
- Avoid breathing mists; use local exhaust ventilation in large-scale operations.
- Wear safety goggles, protective gloves and protective clothing during handling.
- In case of eye contact: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- In case of skin contact: wash with soap and water.
- Spills: contain and absorb with inert material (sand, diatomite), then collect in suitable containers for disposal.
- Although the flash point is relatively high, Butylene Glycol is still a combustible organic liquid – keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sources of ignition.
For full SDS and regulatory information, please request a copy via
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Butylene Glycol CAS 107-88-0?
A: Butylene glycol with CAS 107-88-0 is 1,3-butanediol, a colorless, viscous and hygroscopic diol. It is used as a humectant, solvent and intermediate in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industrial systems. -
Q:
Why is the CAS number important for this product?
A: The term butylene glycol can refer to different isomers. CAS 107-88-0 specifically identifies 1,3-butanediol, which is the grade commonly used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations rather than 1,4-butanediol. -
Q:
What are the main applications?
A: It is used in skin-care and hair-care products as a humectant and solvent, in pharmaceutical and personal-care formulations as a carrier, and in industrial applications such as resins, coatings, polyurethanes, cleaning products and electronics-grade processes. -
Q:
Why is it used in botanical extraction?
A: Its polarity and water-miscibility help dissolve a broad range of plant actives while improving extraction efficiency and formulation stability. This makes it useful for botanical extracts and cosmetic actives. -
Q:
Does butylene glycol help with preservation?
A: It is primarily a humectant and solvent, but it can support preservation systems by reducing water activity and improving solubility of certain preservatives or botanical actives. It should not replace an appropriately validated preservative system. -
Q:
Which grades and packaging are available?
A: This listing covers electron, industrial and medicine grades. It is supplied in 200 kg galvanized drums or 1,000 kg IBC tanks, with flexitank loading available for bulk orders. -
Q:
What specifications should be confirmed before ordering?
A: Confirm grade, assay, water, color, acidity, density, refractive index, heavy metals and any residual-solvent or microbial limits relevant to the end use. Request the batch analysis, technical data and safety information before purchase. -
Q:
How should butylene glycol be stored and handled?
A: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from moisture, heat and incompatible materials. Use suitable chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and follow the safety information for spill and disposal procedures.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.
Quotation
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Sample & Supply
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Storage & Shipping
Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.
