Isobutane
Isobutane
- Role
- A propellant gas that pushes the product out of an aerosol can.
- Catalog formulas
- 29
- Type
- Base
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
CosIng lists Isobutane with the function "propellant": it is kept liquid under pressure in the can and evaporates quickly when sprayed. According to the CosIng description, this grade contains less than 0.1% butadiene.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
It is found in aerosol antiperspirants and deodorants, often together with Butane and Propane. A propellant does not reduce sweating; it only delivers the active and other ingredients to the skin.
In the Health Canada and ECCC screening assessment, the limited exposure from using household or personal care products with these propellants is not considered harmful to human health.
The evaporating gas cools the skin, and the cold sensation is stronger when sprayed too close. The spraying distance is given on the can, and the spray should not be inhaled.
Isobutane is not the same as Butane: isobutane has a branched chain. They are listed separately in an ingredient list.
Products containing Isobutane
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: Isobutane Supports: function, substance identity
- Health Canada and ECCC: screening assessment of short-chain alkanes (2017) Supports: safety assessment, conditions of use