Isobutane

Colorless, odorless gas

Used as a propellant for aerosol cans

Considered nontoxic as used in cosmetics

Has Generally Recognized As Safe status as a food ingredient

Isobutane is a colorless and odorless gas used as a propellant for aerosol cans (think spray sunscreens and hairspray). It occurs in small amounts in petroleum and natural gas but is produced in a refinery process that removes contaminants.

Isobutane is considered nontoxic as used in cosmetics, where it is included at levels far below those deemed unsafe.

In addition to its use as an aerosol propellant, isobutane is also commonly employed as a refrigerant, and is even considered a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) food ingredient such as for whipped toppings used on desserts.