2-Butoxyethanol (Butyl Glycol)
2-Butoxyethanol is a glycol ether solvent that dissolves dirt and helps products dry quickly in glass cleaners, degreasers and multi-purpose sprays. In the EU it is classified as harmful if inhaled, in contact with skin and if swallowed, and as an eye and skin irritant. Because it is volatile, spraying it in enclosed spaces releases it into indoor air; ventilation and gloves reduce the risk considerably.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
Low-level products applied with a cloth are at the lower end; high-strength degreasers, spray forms and prolonged use in small enclosed spaces are at the upper end.
What is 2-butoxyethanol and what is it used for?
2-Butoxyethanol is a colourless liquid with a faint smell that dissolves in both water and oil. This dual solubility lets it dissolve greasy dirt, fingerprints and grime while making it easy to wipe away with water. Because it evaporates quickly, it helps glass and shiny surfaces dry without streaks.
As well as in cleaning products, it is used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, inks and some industrial products.
Which products contain it?
- Glass and mirror cleaners
- Kitchen degreasers and oven cleaners
- Multi-purpose surface sprays
- Stain removers, paints and varnishes
On the label it may appear as “2-butoxyethanol”, “butoxyethanol”, “butyl glycol” or “ethylene glycol monobutyl ether”. In some glass cleaners it is found together with ammonia.
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
There is a harmonised CLP classification for 2-butoxyethanol in the EU: it is harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin and if inhaled, and it causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation. An important feature is that it is easily absorbed through the skin, so prolonged contact without gloves also contributes to exposure.
Effects on red blood cells have been observed in high-dose animal studies; humans are thought to be less sensitive to this effect. IARC has assessed 2-butoxyethanol as Group 3 (not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans).
The main issue with household use is indoor air: spraying for a long time in a small, poorly ventilated bathroom or kitchen can lead to a build-up of butoxyethanol vapour and cause headaches and eye and throat irritation. In the environment, it breaks down easily and has a low tendency to accumulate.
Who should be careful?
- People who clean for a living: Because of daily, prolonged exposure, gloves and ventilation are especially important.
- People with asthma or respiratory sensitivity: Applying the product to a cloth instead of spraying reduces the amount inhaled.
- Pregnant women and homes with young children: Avoiding heavy spray use in enclosed spaces and ventilating the room is a sensible precaution.
What to do when you see it on a label
Using a product containing butoxyethanol occasionally, in a ventilated room and with gloves, carries a low risk. For everyday glass cleaning, a microfibre cloth and water or diluted vinegar is often enough. For heavy grease, spraying the product onto the surface and leaving it for a while before wiping gives the same result with less product. If it gets into the eyes, rinse with plenty of water; if swallowed, call your local poison control centre (in Türkiye: UZEM, 114).
Frequently asked questions
Does 2-butoxyethanol cause cancer?
IARC has assessed this substance as Group 3, meaning it is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. The main risks are inhalation, absorption through the skin and eye irritation.
Is the smell of glass cleaner harmful?
With short, well-ventilated use it usually causes no problems. Heavy spray use in a small enclosed space can cause headaches and irritation; opening a window is an adequate precaution.
Is butoxyethanol absorbed through the skin?
Yes, it is easily absorbed through the skin. This is why wearing gloves is important when working with concentrated degreasers.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.