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Butoxyethanol

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.

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Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Restricted
Legal role
Binding rule
Regulatory summary
The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.
Conditions and restrictions
(a) Solvent in oxidative hair dye products · (a) 4,0% · (a) (b) No use in aerosol dispensers (sprays)

Substance identity

Official source name
Butoxyethanol
CAS
111-76-2
EC
203-905-0
Identity mapping
cas_number
Linked ingredient
BUTOXYETHANOL
Search this identity across the siteCAS 111-76-2EC 203-905-0

Linked CosIng identity data

Names and aliases

BUTOXYETHANOL

CosIng description: 2-Butoxyethanol; ethylene glycol monobutyl ether; EGBE

EU inventory restriction note: III/188

Recorded cosmetic function: FRAGRANCE, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Function pages:FRAGRANCE, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

View the complete ingredient profile

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

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

Verified chemistry for CAS 111-76-2

2-Butoxyethanol

IUPAC name
2-butoxyethanol
Molecular formula
C6H14O2
Molecular weight
118.17 g/mol
Exact mass
118.099379685 Da
Monoisotopic mass
118.099379685 Da
XLogP3
0.8
Topological polar surface area
29.5 Ų
Molecular complexity
37.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
5
Heavy atoms
8
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

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 recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D pharmacophore features
4
3D rings
0
3D hydrophobes
1
3D acceptor features
2
3D donor features
1
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
10
Effective 3D rotors
5.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
CCCCOCCO
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H14O2/c1-2-3-5-8-6-4-7/h7H,2-6H2,1H3
InChIKey
POAOYUHQDCAZBD-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Official source and provenance

Registered source
Great Britain Cosmetics Regulation — consolidated Annexes II–VI and amendments
Source reference
GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 188
Source record ID
III-188
Source version
2026-08-15
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Effective date
2026-08-15
Source updated
2026-08-19
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:51 UTC
Validation method
legislation.gov.uk XML table parse; {'II': 1758, 'III': 326, 'IV': 154, 'V': 57, 'VI': 34}
SHA-256
e3a386d950f54c6e7a7f9e784d1bd46e52de725137e89d5630709824475215d8

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Complete consolidated GB Annexes II–VI, with later amendments versioned separately
Authority note
Binding GB schedules and versioned amendments to retained Regulation 1223/2009; applies to England, Wales and Scotland, not Northern Ireland
Source licence
Open Government Licence v3.0 / Crown copyright
Attribution
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

2329
current Great Britain records
326
records marked Restricted
2329
records from this source version
2015
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Permitted list with conditions: 245Prohibited: 1758Restricted: 326

Condition text is present on 517 of 2329 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

Great Britain market context

Complete consolidated annex dataset

Coverage version: GB retained Regulation 1223/2009 schedules, effective 15 August 2026

Current consolidated Annexes II–VI for England, Scotland and Wales.

Verification checklist

  1. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  2. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  3. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  4. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Butoxyethanol” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  3. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  4. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  5. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECAvailable
  • Separate condition textAvailable
  • Effective dateAvailable
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This substance is not unrestricted: cosmetic use is subject to the conditions in the cited official record. Check product type, body area, concentration, purity and warning requirements before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.

If this row does not reproduce conditions, open the cited official detail because omission does not mean unrestricted use. No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

The record cites GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 188, source version 2026-08-15. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

Butoxyethanol. GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 188. Great Britain. Source version 2026-08-15. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/gb/records/6304/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for Great Britain

This substance is not unrestricted: cosmetic use is subject to the conditions in the cited official record.

Check product type, body area, concentration, purity and warning requirements before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.

How to interpret the legal role

The cited row forms part of a binding rule or legally incorporated list for this market.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Restricted
  • Legal role: Binding rule
  • Source version: 2026-08-15
  • Effective date: 2026-08-15

What it does not prove

No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

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OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

Research this identity at the source

US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source