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BUTYLENE GLYCOL MYRISTATE.

Valuable / SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

A fatty acid ester that serves as a multi-functional skin conditioner, combining emollient properties with penetration enhancement capabilities. This versatile ingredient creates a lightweight, non-greasy film on skin while facilitating better distribution and absorption of active ingredients throughout formulations.

emollient skin conditioning emulsifying penetration enhancer

Science

Functions by filling intercellular spaces between corneocytes to create a smoother skin surface while forming a semi-occlusive barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. Its amphiphilic molecular structure enables dual action as both an emollient and co-emulsifier, enhancing formulation stability and improving the delivery of other actives across the skin barrier.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.1–20%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Patent documentation demonstrates effective emollient and penetration enhancement properties across 0.1-20% concentration range
  2. 02 48-hour occluded patch testing on 50 subjects showed no dermal irritation or sensitization potential in anti-aging cream formulations

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

Well-established emollient with clear functional benefits and safety profile; not typically used for marketing purposes alone


The Formula

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Demonstrates excellent stability in anhydrous systems and oil-in-water emulsions under normal storage conditions; susceptible to degradation in extreme pH environments

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Strong acids (causes ester hydrolysis)
  • Strong bases (triggers saponification reactions)

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
20%
Sensitization risk Low

CIR Expert Panel concluded safety in 2015 as part of Alkyl Esters group assessment; no current restrictions from SCCS or FDA for cosmetic applications


Your Skin

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

Our Assessment

Valuable

A reliable, well-tolerated emollient that offers dual benefits of skin conditioning and enhanced active ingredient delivery with strong safety documentation.


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