Glycerin and butylene glycol are both organic compounds containing atoms of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen bonded together in specific configurations. Both compounds are non-toxic to humans and can be found as components in many consumer products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foods.
Glycerin
Glycerin, also known as glycerine or glycerol, is a thick, colorless, sweet tasting liquid that is soluble in water. Classified as an alcohol, glycerin's chemical structure consists of three carbon atoms bonded to three oxygen and eight hydrogen atoms and has a molecular weight of 92.1. Natural glycerin can be extracted from plants while synthetic glycerin is made from petroleum.
Uses of Glycerin
Glycerin is used in many food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Because of its water retaining, or humectant properties, glycerin is commonly found in moisturizing products. This same property makes glycerin an effective food softening agent. When used in suppositories, glycerin is an effective laxative agent.
Butylene Glycol
Butylene glycol is a clear, almost colorless liquid made of four atoms of carbon, ten atoms of hydrogen and two atoms of oxygen with a molecular weight of 90.1. When placed on the skin or ingested, butylene glycol is quickly absorbed and broken down into to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, a naturally occurring compound found in humans.
Butylene Glycol Uses
Butylene glycol, also a humectant, is commonly used in cosmetic products at concentrations up to approximately 21 percent. Although in sensitive individuals butylene glycol can be a minor skin irritant, It has been determined to be non-toxic by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It is also used by the food product industry as a synthetic flavoring agent.
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