Quick answer
Primarily a humectant of either natural or synthetic origin; Helps stabilize formulas and keep key ingredients suspended; Also works as a solvent; Similar to butylene glycol Key benefits: Hydration.
2,3-butanediol
Updated
2,3-Butylene Glycol
Purpose
2,3-butanediol is a synthetic or plant-derived humectant that also has solvent properties in cosmetics. It also has stabilizing and dispersing properties.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Humectant, Solvent, Suspending/Dispersing Agent
INCI Purpose
FRAGRANCE, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING, SOLVENT
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Primarily a humectant of either natural or synthetic origin
Helps stabilize formulas and keep key ingredients suspended
Also works as a solvent
Similar to butylene glycol
Article
2,3 butanediol is a synthetic or plant-derived (Paula’s Choice uses the latter form) that can play multiple roles in cosmetics. Its humectant properties help it to hydrate skin and its solvent, dispersing and stabilizing properties help ensure product ingredient efficacy. It’s considered an alternative to butylene glycol.
This ingredient may also be obtained via fermentation. It dispersing properties are proven to help ingredients like vitamin C and ceramides from clumping together in an emulsion. This ensures they remain suspended throughout the formula so you’re getting the desired amount with each application.
Usage levels of 2,3-butanediol range from 1–10% depending on formulary goals; however, lower amounts may be used in blends, where they aid dispersion and/or help preserve other ingredients.
See: Butylene Glycol
References