Butyl glycol, 1 L

Butyl Glycol (2-Butoxyethanol): Universal Solvent and Enhancer

Introducing Butyl Glycol (INCI: Butyl Glycol, also known as 2-Butoxyethanol or Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether), a colorless, clear viscous liquid from the USA. This versatile chemical compound serves as an exceptional solvent, stabilizer, and penetration enhancer across numerous industries. It is water-soluble and provides superior performance in improving product stability, texture, and the efficacy of active ingredients. Its balanced properties make it indispensable in high-quality cosmetic, cleaning, and industrial formulas worldwide.

Product Description and Key Properties

Butyl Glycol is an organic solvent that works as a powerful coupling agent, allowing otherwise immiscible ingredients (like oils and water) to blend harmoniously. This property makes it vital for creating stable, uniform emulsions and clear solutions. Beyond its solvent capabilities, it actively contributes to the integrity and user experience of the final product.

Key properties and benefits:

• Superior Solvency: Ensures the complete solubility of actives, extracts, fragrances, and pigments in formulations.

• Preservative and Antioxidant Boost: Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and antioxidants, contributing to product safety and longevity.

• Evaporation Control: Acts as a humectant to reduce water evaporation from finished products, maintaining formula integrity.

• Texture and Homogeneity: Improves the homogeneity of emulsions and overall product texture, facilitating smooth spreading.

• Clarity and Shine: Positively impacts the shine and transparency of cosmetic and lacquer formulas.

• Absorption Enhancement: Facilitates the application and absorption of creams and lotions into the skin.

• Stability and Shelf Life: Stabilizes pH (typical range of 6.0–7.5 in 10% solution) and increases the shelf life of the product.

Applications and Usage Areas

Butyl Glycol's balanced solvent power and low volatility make it a cornerstone ingredient in five major industries.

1. Cosmetics and Personal Care (Solvent, Enhancer, Humectant):

• Creams, Lotions, and Serums: Improves the penetration of active substances into the skin and ensures the uniform distribution of oil-soluble ingredients and pigments.

• Tonics and Antiseptic Solutions: Used as a solvent for fragrances and actives, and as an auxiliary component in antiseptic solutions for its mild disinfecting properties.

• Shampoos and Conditioners: Contributes to the formula's transparency and stability.

• Aftershave Products: Helps stabilize the formula and enhances the feeling of quick absorption.

2. Household Chemicals (Degreaser, Solvent):

• Window Sprays and Universal Cleaners: Serves as a primary solvent for fats and grease, enhancing the cleaning efficiency of degreasers and cleaning concentrates.

• Floor Polishes and Waxes: Ensures a uniform application and quick drying time.

3. Paints and Coatings (Coalescent, Evaporation Retarder):

• Paints, Primers, and Decorative Coatings: Functions as a coalescent (aids film formation) and an evaporation retarder, improving the flow and homogeneity of the paint, enhancing adhesion and resistance to cracking.

4. Pharmaceutical Formulas (Carrier, Solvent):

• Gels, Solutions, and Topical Antiseptics: Applied as a solvent and carrier for active substances in external preparations, ensuring uniform distribution and formula stability.

5. Food Industry (Flavor Solvent, Technological Component):

• Food Essences and Flavorings: May be used in minimal, permissible doses as a solvent for flavorings and a technological component in the production of food essences (where regulatory approval permits).

Recommended Dosage:

• Cosmetics (Creams/Lotions): 0.5–10%

• Cosmetics (Tonics/Gels): 1–5%

• Household Cleaning: 2–20%

• Paints and Lacquers: 5–15%

• Pharmaceutical Formulas: 1–10%

• Food Essences: less than 0.1% (only where regulated and permitted)

Recipe: Clarifying Face Toner with Enhanced Penetration

Create a simple, effective clarifying face toner where Butyl Glycol is used to ensure the complete dissolution of the active ingredients and enhance their absorption.

Ingredients:

• 93 g Distilled Water (Water Phase)

• 5 g Butyl Glycol (Solvent/Penetration Enhancer)

• 1 g Salicylic Acid (Active)

• 0.5 g Witch Hazel Extract (Astringent/Active)

• 0.5 g Preservative (e.g., Liquid Germall Plus)

Instructions for Preparation:

Dissolve the Primary Active: In a beaker, combine the Butyl Glycol and the Salicylic Acid. Stir until the acid is completely dissolved. Butyl Glycol’s strong solvent power will quickly dissolve the Salicylic Acid.

Add the Water Phase: Slowly add the distilled water to the Butyl Glycol/Salicylic Acid mixture. Stir well until the entire solution is clear and uniform.

Incorporate Remaining Actives and Preservative: Add the Witch Hazel Extract and the preservative. Mix gently but thoroughly.

Check pH: Verify the pH of the final toner. The target is typically between 3.5 and 4.0 for optimal Salicylic Acid efficacy (which is lower than the ingredient's general pH range, making the formula effective).

Packaging: Pour the finished toner into a clean, sterilized bottle with a secure cap.

Recommendations:

• Enhanced Efficacy: The use of Butyl Glycol ensures the Salicylic Acid remains fully soluble and helps it penetrate deeper into the pores, maximizing the toner's effectiveness.

• Clarity: Butyl Glycol contributes to the final product's transparency and aesthetic appeal.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place. The preservative is vital for maintaining product safety.

• Application: Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe over clean skin, avoiding the eye area.