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InventoryRef 3169615/10/2010

BUTOXYETHANOL

2-Butoxyethanol; ethylene glycol monobutyl ether; EGBE

BUTOXYETHANOL is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page. Inventory note: III/188.

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Regulatory evidence by market

This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.

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MarketEvidence statusRecordsSource language
European UnionEvidence linked
Restricted entry found
Open this evidence		1English and EU languages
Great BritainEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English
CanadaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English and French
New ZealandEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English
ASEANEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English and national languages
ChinaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Chinese with selected English material
JapanSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Japanese; official English translation available
South KoreaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Korean with some English names
United StatesSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
AustraliaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
BrazilSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1Arabic and English

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 111-76-2
CAS 111-76-2PubChem CID 8133

2-Butoxyethanol

2-butoxyethanol is a primary alcohol that is ethanol in which one of the methyl hydrogens is replaced by a butoxy group. A high-boiling (171C) colourless liquid, it is used as a solvent for paints and inks, as well as in some dry cleaning solutions. It has a role as a protic solvent. It is a primary alcohol and a glycol ether. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
2-butoxyethanol
Molecular formula
C6H14O2
Molecular weight
118.17 g/mol
Exact mass
118.099379685 Da
XLogP3
0.8
Topological polar surface area
29.5 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Butyl glycolButyl cellosolveButoxyethanolETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHEREthylene glycol butyl ethern-ButoxyethanolButyl oxitolDowanol EB
16 more reported names
Glycol butyl etherEthanol, 2-butoxy-3-Oxa-1-heptanolGafcol EBJeffersol ebGlycol ether ebEktasolve EBO-Butyl ethylene glycolBUCSChimec NR2-Butoxy-1-ethanol2-n-ButoxyethanolButyl cellu-solEGBEGlycol monobutyl ether2-Butoxy ethanol
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8133

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.4% (13 of 3076) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (99.5%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312 (79.9%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H315 (99.6%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (99.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H331 (11.7%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H332 (83.6%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P317, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 3076 reports by companies from 31 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 13 of 3076 reports by companies.; There are 30 notifications provided by 3063 of 3076 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 12.7% (87 of 686) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (12.4%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312 (11.1%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H318 (38.9%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H319 (37.3%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P305+P354+P338, P317, P321, P330, P337+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 686 reports by companies from 9 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 87 of 686 reports by companies.; There are 8 notifications provided by 599 of 686 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • NFPA Health Rating: 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: On the basis of the animal and clinical data included in this report, the Expert Panel concludes that Butoxyethanol is safe in hair and nail products at concentrations up to 10.0%. Note: In 2002, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on this ingredient and reaffirmed the above conclusion. Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: 2-Butoxyethanol is a high production volume glycol ether. It is a colorless liquid that is miscible in water and soluble in most organic solvents. 2-Butoxyethanol is used widely as a solvent in surface coatings, such as spray lacquers, quick dry lacquers, enamels, varnishes, varnish removers and latex paint. Based on limited data, ambient exposures in air are generally in the ug/cu m range. Industrial exposure of the general population to this chemical is most likely from inhalation and dermal absorption during the use of products containing 2-butoxyethanol. Levels of airborne 2-butoxyethanol in occupational settings are typically in the mg/cu m range. The results of in vitro studies indicate that human red blood cells are not as sensitive to the hemolytic effects of 2-butoxyethanol and 2-butoxyacetic acid and also that red blood cells are more sensitive to hemolysis by 2-butoxyacetic acid than to hemolysis by 2-butoxyethanol. 2-Butoxyethanol is readily absorbed following inhalation, oral or dermal exposure. The chemical is metabolized via alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases, with the formation of 2-butoxyacetaldehyde and 2-butoxyacetic acid, the principal metabolite, although othe Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.83(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low (SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 8(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.83(2), indicates that ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an Henry's Law constant of 1.60X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(3). Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether is expected to volatilize slowly from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.88 mm Hg(4). Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether reached 96% of its theoretical BOD in 14 days using an activated sludge inoculum(5). Therefore this compound is expected to biodegrade rapidly in the soil environment. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 8(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.83(2), indicates that ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.6X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 17 and 185 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3, from its log Kow of 0.83(2) and a regression-derived equation(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Alcohols and ethers are generally resistant to hydrolysis(7). Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether reached 96% of its Theoretical BOD in 14 days using an activated sludge inoculum(8). Therefore this compound is expected to biodegrade rapidly in the aquatic environment. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 0.88 mm Hg at 25 °C(2) is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.86X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Insulators; Dispersing agent; Solvent; Other; Surfactant (surface active agent); Monomers; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Cleaning agent; Viscosity modifiers; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Corrosion inhibitor; Catalyst; Film former; Intermediate; Etching agent; Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Intermediate; Etching agent; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Chelating agent; Demulsifier; Surface modifier; Cleaning agent; Hydraulic fluids; Viscosity modifiers; Catalyst; Waterproofing agent; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Diluent; Surfactant (surface active agent); Monomers; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Fuel agents; Plating agent; Anti-freeze agent; Solvent; Dispersing agent; Lubricating agent; Other Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Butoxyethanol Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as solvent in surface coatings; [ACGIH] Also used in hydraulic fluids, glass cleaners, and leather cleaners; [Sullivan, p. 1203] Used as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks, metal cleaners, and household cleaners; Occupational exposures are high in silk screen printing; [Reference #2] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Dry Cleaning [Category: Clean]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]; Silk-Screen Printing [Category: Other] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Activities with risk of exposure: Intalagio printing [Category: Hobbies] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Both oil base and water base fracturing fluids are being used in the fracturing industry. Water base, which includes alcohol-water mixtures and low strength acids, make up the majority of treating fluids. The common chemicals added to these fluids are polymers for viscosity development, crosslinkers for viscosity enhancement, pH control chemicals, gel breakers for polymer degradation following the treatment, surfactants, clay stabilizers, alcohol, bactericides, fluid loss additives and friction reducer. /Hydraulic fracturing/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Hydraulic fracturing uses a specially blended liquid which is pumped into a well under extreme pressure causing cracks in rock formations underground. These cracks in the rock then allow oil and natural gas to flow, increasing resource production. ... Chemical Name: 2-Butoxyethanol; Chemical Purpose: Product stabilizer; Product Function: surfactant. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 011501) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: In hydraulic fluids Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONO-N-BUTYL ETHER (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Inventory details for BUTOXYETHANOL

INCI name

BUTOXYETHANOL

Description

2-Butoxyethanol; ethylene glycol monobutyl ether; EGBE

Record provenance

Inventory reference
31696
Imported identity
BUTOXYETHANOL
Source update
15/10/2010
European Commission CosIng source notes
Annex III Restriction reference
Entry 188

BUTOXYETHANOL

CAS: 111-76-2
EC: 203-905-0

Key data

CAS
111-76-2
EC
203-905-0
Restriction
III/188
Function
FRAGRANCE
Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
SOLVENT
Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.

#4096 · BUTOXYETHANOL

The markets do not agree about this substance: it is prohibited in some and permitted under conditions in others, across the 8 markets that hold a rule for it.

prohibited
South Korea
restricted
European UnionGreat BritainCanadaNew ZealandASEANIndiaSaudi Arabia

See every substance the markets disagree about

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

BUBULUM OILSKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SOLVENT
BUTETH-2 ACETATEFRAGRANCE, PERFUMING, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
BUTETH-3SOLVENT
BUTOXYDIGLYCOLFRAGRANCE, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
BUTOXYETHYL ACETATEFRAGRANCE, SOLVENT
BUTYL ACETATEFRAGRANCE, SOLVENT
BUTYL ETHYLPROPANEDIYL ETHYLHEXANOATESOLVENT
BUTYL HYDROXYBUTYRATESOLVENT

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight

ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal

How BUTOXYETHANOL appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists BUTOXYETHANOL as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

BUTOXYETHANOL is also tagged with 3 cosmetic functions in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

BUTOXYETHANOL appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.

The restriction field for BUTOXYETHANOL reads: "III/188". This is the restriction note recorded in the CosIng inventory for this ingredient. For authoritative conditions and limits, always refer to the linked annex entries above.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, BUTOXYETHANOL carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 111-76-2 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.
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Use the INCI Checker to screen a full ingredient list across selected markets, or compare this substance across all supported market datasets.
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Source note for BUTOXYETHANOL

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for BUTOXYETHANOL with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.

Use this inventory page to research BUTOXYETHANOL and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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