Can Butylene Glycol be used with Retinol?
It’s undeniable that the beauty industry loves a trendy ingredient, especially when it has a ton of scientific evidence behind it, like in the case of Butylene Glycol. Have you never heard of it? Don’t worry, because you’ll have a better understanding of how this ingredient works and what benefits you can expect when using it in your daily life. Of course, we can’t forget to see if you can use Butylene Glycol with Retinol.
So, let’s get started to learn more about this most popular skincare ingredient, Butylene Glycol. If you want to learn a little bit about Retinol and its benefits, you can learn more about it on The Beauty Insiders.
What is Butylene Glycol?
Butylene Glycol, also known as BG, is an organic alcohol extracted from petroleum. It usually comes in liquid form and is found in a variety of skincare products, from cleansers to moisturizers to hair products. It is praised for its many benefits because it can play a variety of roles in skincare formulas. It can act as an emollient, humectant, and solvent. Butylene Glycol is also considered safe for daily use and is a great alternative to the more well-known ingredient Propylene Glycol, which has gained a rather controversial reputation by now.
If you want to learn more about the multi-tasking super ingredient Butylene Glycol, you can find it on Skin School.
What is Butylene Glycol Used For?
As I mentioned earlier, Butylene Glycol is a multi-functional ingredient that offers a variety of benefits to the skin. Some of the most important reasons are why you’ll find it in such a wide range of skin care formulas.
Helps Products Absorb Quickly into the Skin – Butylene Glycol is able to dissolve buildup and residue from pollutants and product formulas on the surface of the skin. By cleansing the surface of the skin, other skin care products used will absorb faster and work faster.
Pulls Water into the Skin – Butylene Glycol has moisturizing properties that attract and lock in moisture from the air around the skin. You’ll get a plump, radiant, and youthful complexion.
Acts as an emollient – This allows it to form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin, preventing moisture from being lost throughout the day. This keeps your skin soft and in tip-top condition.
These are the main uses for Butylene Glycol. As you can see for yourself, it’s a very useful ingredient that can be used on almost all skin types due to its low irritation profile. Since it’s derived from petroleum, I recommend that you consult a doctor or medical professional before adding it to your daily routine.
Can Butylene Glycol be used with Retinol?
Yes, don’t let the scary-sounding name fool you, Butylene Glycol is considered completely safe to use with Retinol. With BG’s moisturizing and nourishing properties, you’ll find that it hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier, ensuring it can protect itself from harsh free radicals. Signs of dryness and irritation, which are often side effects of Retinol, are also counteracted.
To get the most out of each ingredient, make sure to use them correctly and in the right order. This will not only allow your retinol product to penetrate and work its magic by boosting collagen production while reversing signs of aging, but it will also lock moisture to the surface of the skin, allowing it to function properly and remain at its healthiest.
Why Should You Avoid Butylene Glycol?
Butylene Glycol should only be avoided if you are prone to increased sensitivity or if you have a very sensitive skin type. These skin types often experience irritation, rashes, and itching, which can get worse if you continue to use Butylene Glycol without knowing it. To be safe, I strongly recommend that you consult a dermatologist or a trained professional for advice on the best formula for daily use, especially if you have a sensitive skin type.
Is Butylene Glycol Good for Face?
Of course, for almost all skin types, Butylene Glycol is an effective and impressive ingredient to incorporate into your daily routine. With its many benefits and different actions, you’ll find that it produces impressive results across the board for your complexion. Another feature of this clever ingredient is its ability to stabilize other skincare formulas, which means it works effectively with powerful active ingredients like Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Retinol.
A reminder: Before applying any new product or ingredient to your face, you should always perform a 24-hour patch test on your skin. This will help you avoid unnecessary irritation and allergic reactions.
Is Butylene Glycol the Same as Glycolic Acid?
No, although I can understand the confusion since the names are very similar. Glycolic acid is a common member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. It’s known for its effective exfoliating properties, ensuring the removal of accumulated dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and impurities. These issues often lead to breakouts, acne, signs of aging, and a dull complexion. You’ll find that glycolic acid is also very potent and, if used incorrectly, can strip your skin of important oils that it needs to stay healthy. As you now understand, butylene glycol works in a completely different way. Rather than exfoliating, it hydrates the skin.
Is butylene glycol non-comedogenic?
Yes and no, it is considered a very highly comedogenic ingredient, meaning it can clog pores, leading to worse acne and breakouts like blemishes and blackheads. However, if used correctly, butylene glycol’s moisturizing properties can be beneficial for those with oily and acne-prone skin. However, be mindful of how your skin feels.
Here’s more information on using butylene glycol and retinol. If you still have any questions, feel free to visit and follow us on Instagram.
