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Moumoujus

1,4-BUTANEDIOL.

Insufficient Data CAS 110-63-4 / SOLVENT

1,4-Butanediol is a versatile organic compound utilized in skincare, primarily functioning as a humectant to enhance skin hydration and as an effective solvent for diverse cosmetic ingredients. Its dual role supports both the stability of formulations and the epidermal moisture retention.

Summary

solvent humectant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates by attracting and binding water molecules, thereby acting as a humectant to help maintain the skin's moisture balance and improve hydration. Concurrently, its solvent properties enable the efficient dissolution and uniform distribution of other active components within cosmetic formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

1,4-Butanediol demonstrates excellent solubility in both aqueous solutions and a variety of organic solvents, including methanol, ethanol, and acetone. This broad solubility profile ensures its utility in formulations requiring high solubility and efficient, homogenous mixing of ingredients.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that the available data are insufficient to make a definitive determination of safety for 1,4-Butanediol as used in cosmetics. It is critical to differentiate this from severe warnings concerning oral ingestion: the FDA classifies ingested 1,4-Butanediol as a Class I Health Hazard (potentially life-threatening) due to its metabolic conversion to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a warning that pertains exclusively to oral intake and abuse, not topical cosmetic application. Furthermore, 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing byproduct sometimes present in cosmetics, has been assessed by the SCCS and considered safe for consumers at trace levels of ≤10 ppm; this assessment refers to the contaminant, not 1,4-Butanediol itself.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Insufficient Data

While recognized for its functional properties as a humectant and solvent, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has classified 1,4-Butanediol with insufficient data for a comprehensive safety assessment in cosmetic applications, thus warranting further research for definitive conclusions.

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