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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
1,3-butanediol

1,3-butanediol

Summary

1,3-butanediol is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that is commonly used as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity regulator in a wide range of personal care products. It has excellent moisturizing properties and can help to improve the texture and feel of formulations. Additionally, 1,3-butanediol has antimicrobial properties that make it useful in products designed to combat acne and other skin conditions. Its low toxicity and biodegradability make it a safe and environmentally friendly choice for cosmetic formulations. Overall, 1,3-butanediol is a valuable ingredient for formulators looking to create effective and sustainable personal care products.

INCI Name and Common References

INCI name: Butanediol Common terms: Butylene glycol Nicknames: BDG

Function

1,3-butanediol is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity regulator. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products, while also providing moisturizing benefits to the skin. Additionally, it can act as a preservative booster, enhancing the efficacy of other preservatives in the formulation.

Science

1,3-butanediol is a colorless, viscous liquid with a molecular formula of C4H10O2. It is a diol, meaning it contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. These hydroxyl groups make it a polar molecule, which allows it to dissolve in water and other polar solvents. In terms of its physical properties, 1,3-butanediol has a relatively low boiling point of 204°C and a high flash point of 121°C. It is also hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. In terms of its function as an ingredient, 1,3-butanediol is commonly used as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity modifier in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. Its polar nature allows it to dissolve and stabilize other polar compounds, while its hygroscopic properties help to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Overall, the physical properties of 1,3-butanediol make it a versatile ingredient with a range of applications in different industries.

Benefits

There is limited research on the skincare benefits of 1,3-butanediol. However, it is known to have moisturizing properties and may help improve the absorption of other skincare ingredients. It also has antimicrobial properties, which may help reduce the risk of acne and other skin infections.

Negatives

1,3-butanediol is a chemical compound that is commonly used in the production of plastics, solvents, and other industrial products. While it is generally considered safe for use in these applications, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that should be considered. One of the main concerns with 1,3-butanediol is its potential to cause skin irritation and sensitization. This can occur when the chemical comes into contact with the skin, either through direct exposure or through the use of products that contain it. Symptoms of skin irritation may include redness, itching, and swelling, and in severe cases, blisters or burns may develop. Another potential side effect of 1,3-butanediol is its ability to cause respiratory irritation and sensitization. This can occur when the chemical is inhaled, either through direct exposure or through the use of products that contain it. Symptoms of respiratory irritation may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, asthma attacks may occur. In addition to these potential side effects, 1,3-butanediol may also interact with other ingredients in certain products. For example, it may react with certain types of plastics or solvents, which could lead to the formation of harmful byproducts. It may also interact with other chemicals in certain cleaning products, which could lead to the formation of toxic fumes. Overall, while 1,3-butanediol is generally considered safe for use in industrial applications, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions with other ingredients. If you are using products that contain this chemical, be sure to follow all safety precautions and use them only as directed. If you experience any symptoms of skin or respiratory irritation, seek medical attention immediately.

Source

1,3-butanediol is a chemical compound that can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources. It is commonly found in certain types of bacteria and yeast, as well as in some plants. However, most commercial production of 1,3-butanediol is done synthetically using petrochemicals. The processing pathway for synthetic 1,3-butanediol involves the reaction of acetylene with formaldehyde to form propynol, which is then hydrogenated to form 1,3-butynediol. This compound is then hydrogenated again to form 1,3-butanediol. Natural sources of 1,3-butanediol involve the fermentation of sugars by certain types of bacteria and yeast. This process involves the conversion of glucose to pyruvate, which is then converted to 2,3-butanediol. This compound is then further converted to 1,3-butanediol through a process called racemization. Overall, 1,3-butanediol can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources, and its processing pathway depends on the source of the compound.

Safety

The safety rating score of 1,3-butanediol varies depending on the rating system used. According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database, 1,3-butanediol has a low hazard score of 1 out of 10, indicating that it is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. However, other sources suggest that 1,3-butanediol may have some potential health risks, particularly if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. As with any chemical, it is important to use 1,3-butanediol in accordance with recommended guidelines and to take appropriate safety precautions to minimize any potential risks.

Sustainability

1,3-butanediol is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a solvent, plasticizer, and intermediate in the production of various chemicals. While it is not considered to be a highly hazardous substance, it does have some environmental impacts that should be considered. One of the main environmental concerns associated with 1,3-butanediol is its potential to contribute to air pollution. When it is used as a solvent or in other industrial processes, it can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These VOCs can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. In terms of ethical sourcing practices, it is important to note that 1,3-butanediol is typically produced from petrochemicals. This means that its production is dependent on the oil and gas industry, which has been associated with a range of environmental and social issues. However, there are efforts underway to develop more sustainable and ethical sources of 1,3-butanediol, such as using biomass feedstocks or waste streams from other industries. Overall, while 1,3-butanediol is not a highly hazardous substance, its environmental impacts and ethical sourcing practices should be considered when using or producing this chemical. Efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and promote more sustainable sourcing practices are important for minimizing its impact on the planet and society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 1,3-butanediol is a versatile ingredient that serves as a solvent, flavoring agent, and precursor to various chemicals. Its production involves fermentation of renewable resources, making it a sustainable option. While it has some potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving gut health, it also has negative effects on the central nervous system and can be toxic in high doses. It is important to use this ingredient in moderation and with caution. Overall, 1,3-butanediol has potential as a useful ingredient, but its safety and sustainability must be carefully considered.

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