Can You Use Butylene Glycol with Retinol?
There’s no denying that the beauty industry loves a trending ingredient, especially when it carries a lot of scientific backing with it, such as butylene glycol. Never heard of it before? Don’t worry, as you’ll have a better understanding of how this ingredient works and the benefits you can expect to see when using it in your routine. Not forgetting of course figuring out whether you can use butylene glycol with retinol?
So, let’s get stuck in and find out more about this skincare favourite, butylene glycol. If you are wanting a little reminder of retinol and its benefits, you can find out more over on The Beauty Insiders.
What is butylene glycol?
Butylene glycol, also known as BG, is a form of organic alcohol derived from petroleum. You’ll often find it comes in a liquid form and found in a variety of skincare products, from cleansers, moisturisers and even hair care products. It is praised for its multitalented benefits as it is able to take on a number of roles within skincare formulations. It can act as an emollient, humectant, and solvent. Butylene glycol is also considered safe to use on a daily basis and makes a great alternative to the more commonly known ingredient propylene glycol, which has since gained quite the controversial reputation.
If you are wanting to know a little more about the multitasking super ingredient, butylene glycol, you can find it over on the Skin School.
What is butylene glycol used for?
As I have already mentioned, butylene glycol is a multitalented ingredient that provides a variety of skin benefits, some of the main ones are the reason you’ll find it in such an extensive range of skincare formulations.
Helps products absorb quickly into the skin- Butylene glycol has the ability to breakdown the build-up and residue found on the surface of the skin left behind by impurities and product formulas. By ridding the skin surface of this other skincare products applied will absorb more rapidly and deliver results quickly.
Draws in water into the skin- With its humectant traits, butylene glycol can draw water in from the atmosphere surrounding the skin and lock it into place. You’re left with a plumped, glowing, and youthful looking complexion.
Acts as an emollient- By doing this it is able to form a protective barrier over the surface of the skin preventing any water getting lost throughout the day. This leaves you with a softened and in its best condition.
There you have the main uses of butylene glycol, as you can see for yourself it’s a highly useful ingredient that can be used by almost all skin types due to its low levels of irritation. Having said that because it is derived from petroleum, I would recommend you consult with a doctor or medical professional before introducing it into your routine.
Can you use butylene glycol with retinol?
Yes, don’t let the scary sounding name fool you, it is considered perfectly safe to use butylene glycol with retinol. With the hydrating and nourishing traits of BG you’ll find it is able to keep the skin barrier moisturised and strengthened, ensuring it is able to protect itself from free radical aggressors. Any signs of dryness and irritation that are often a side effect of retinol are also counteracted.
To get the most out of each ingredient ensure you are applying them correctly and in the right order. This will not only allow your retinol product to penetrate and set to work boosting collagen product whilst reversing signs of ageing, but you will lock moisture into the skin surface keeping it functioning properly and stay at its healthiest state.
Why you should avoid butylene glycol?
The only reason you should avoid butylene glycol is if you are prone to increased sensitivity or have a highly sensitive skin type. These skin types will often experience irritation, rashes, and itchy patches that will worsen if you unknowingly continue to use butylene glycol. For peace of mind, I would strongly suggest seeking the help from a dermatologist or trained professional regarding the best formulas to use in your daily routine, especially if you have a sensitive skin type.
Is butylene glycol good for face?
Absolutely, for almost all skin types, butylene glycol is an effective and impressive ingredient to include in your daily routine. With its many benefits and various roles, it can perform you’ll find that butylene glycol will have an all-over impressive result on the complexion. Another property of this clever ingredient is its ability to stabilise other skincare formulations meaning it can work effectively with potent actives, such as vitamin C, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol.
Just a reminder, that you should perform a patch test on the skin for 24 hours before applying any new product or ingredients on the face, this will avoid unwanted irritation and allergic reactions.
Is glycol the same as glycolic acid?
No, although I can understand the confusion as the names are very similar. Glycolic acid is a popular member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. It is known for its effective exfoliating properties ensuring the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and impurities are sloughed away. These concerns often lead to a flare-up in blackouts, acne, signs of ageing, and lack lustre complexion. You’ll find that glycolic acid is also very potent and if used incorrectly can strip the skin of the vital oil needed to remain healthy. As you’ll understand now, glycol performs in a different way completely. It doesn’t provide any exfoliation, but instead gives the complexion a hydrated boost in moisturise.
Is butylene glycol non comedogenic?
Yes and no, it is known for rating very highly as a comedogenic ingredient meaning it can clog the pores which can lead to acne worsening and a flare-up in breakouts, such as spots and blackheads. Having said that, if used correctly, the hydrating properties of butylene glycol is beneficial for those with oily and acne prone skin types, just ensure you keep a close watch on how your skin is feeling.
There you have it, a little more information about using butylene glycol with retinol. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to come, and follow us on Instagram.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
