Butylene glycol is a versatile ingredient used to enhance texture, boost hydration and improve product stability. Known for being hygroscopic, it helps increase the skin’s water content, providing hydration. It also acts as a solvent and penetration booster, aiding other ingredients in reaching deeper layers of the skin. Though not a preservative on its own, butylene glycol can contribute to a formula’s stability and help protect against microorganisms, making it an important component in many skincare products.