Top 10 Companies in the 1,3-Butanediol for Cosmetic Market (2026): Leading Suppliers Shaping Skincare and Beauty Products

In Business Insights
January 09, 2026


The Global 1,3-Butanediol for Cosmetic Market was valued at US$ 96.6 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 141.2 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by the expanding global beauty and personal care industry, increasing consumer preference for high-performance and natural-feel formulations, and the versatile functionality of 1,3-Butanediol as a superior humectant, solvent, and preservative booster.

As cosmetic brands increasingly prioritize product efficacy, sensory appeal, and cleaner ingredient labels, the role of high-purity, multifunctional ingredients like 1,3-Butanediol has become paramount. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the 1,3-Butanediol for Cosmetic Industry—a group of chemical manufacturers and biorefineries that are essential partners in formulating the next generation of skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics.


🔟 1. OXEA GmbH

Headquarters: Monheim am Rhein, Germany
Key Offering: High-Purity 1,3-Butanediol (OXSOL® 100)

OXEA is a global leader in oxo chemicals and a primary producer of 1,3-Butanediol. Their cosmetic-grade product is renowned for its high purity and consistent quality, making it a preferred choice for major cosmetic brands requiring a reliable humectant and solvent that enhances skin feel and product stability.

Product & Innovation Focus:

  • Production of 1,3-BDO via chemical synthesis (aldehyde chemistry)

  • Focus on sustainable production processes and supply chain integrity

  • Technical support for formulators optimizing viscosity and moisturization

Download FREE Sample Report: 1,3-Butanediol for Cosmetic Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. DAICEL Corporation

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: 1,3-Butanediol (Chemical & Bio-based grades)

DAICEL is a major Japanese chemical company with a strong presence in the specialty chemicals sector. Its 1,3-Butanediol is used extensively in cosmetics across Asia and globally, valued for its excellent solubility and ability to improve the spreadability of formulations.

Product & Innovation Focus:

  • Offers both petrochemical and bio-based production pathways

  • Strong R&D focus on green chemistry and circular economy principles

  • Strategic partnerships with cosmetic ingredient distributors worldwide


8️⃣ 3. KH Neochem Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-Quality 1,3-Butanediol

KH Neochem is a key supplier of performance chemicals in Asia, with a significant market share in the 1,3-Butanediol segment. The company’s product is critical for creating lightweight, non-greasy textures in serums, lotions, and emulsions.

Product & Innovation Focus:

  • Integrated production from raw materials to finished 1,3-BDO

  • Emphasis on product consistency and low impurity levels for sensitive skin applications

  • Expanding footprint in the European and North American cosmetic markets


7️⃣ 4. Godavari Biorefineries Ltd.

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Bio-based 1,3-Butanediol (Bio-BDO)

Godavari Biorefineries is a pioneer in bio-based chemicals in India, producing 1,3-Butanediol from sustainable sugarcane feedstocks. Their product appeals to brands targeting consumers seeking natural and renewable ingredient profiles.

Sustainability & Innovation Focus:

  • One of the few global producers of bio-based 1,3-BDO via fermentation

  • Aligns with the global trend towards bio-circular economies

  • Certifications for natural and sustainable sourcing

Download FREE Sample Report: 1,3-Butanediol for Cosmetic Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: 1,3-Butanediol and derivative specialty ingredients

While not a primary producer, BASF is a significant player in the cosmetic ingredient supply chain, utilizing 1,3-Butanediol in its own ingredient formulations and offering it as part of its comprehensive portfolio for personal care.

Product & Innovation Focus:

  • Integrates 1,3-BDO into broader ingredient systems and active delivery solutions

  • Extensive application research and technical support for cosmetic manufacturers

  • Commitment to sustainability through its “Care Chemicals” division


5️⃣ 6. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Specialty Chemicals including 1,3-Butanediol

Mitsubishi Chemical boasts a diverse chemical portfolio and produces high-purity 1,3-Butanediol that meets stringent cosmetic standards. The company leverages its global distribution network to serve multinational cosmetic clients.

Product & Innovation Focus:

  • Focus on high-purity grades suitable for premium skincare and makeup

  • Investment in R&D for novel applications in cosmetic science

  • Strong market presence in the Asia-Pacific region, a key growth area for cosmetics


4️⃣ 7. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Performance Intermediates including 1,3-Butanediol

Evonik is a global specialty chemicals leader whose product lines include key intermediates for the personal care industry. Their expertise ensures a reliable supply of 1,3-Butanediol for formulators seeking to enhance product performance and sensory attributes.

Product & Innovation Focus:

  • Provides technical data and formulation guidance for optimal use of 1,3-BDO

  • Focus on developing sustainable and skin-friendly ingredient solutions

  • Global production and supply chain capabilities


3️⃣ 8. LCY Chemical Corp.

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: 1,3-Butanediol and other chemical intermediates

LCY Chemical is a significant chemical producer in Asia, supplying 1,3-Butanediol to various industries, including cosmetics. The company is known for its competitive positioning and reliable supply in the region.

Product & Innovation Focus:

  • Cost-effective production of 1,3-BDO

  • Growing focus on serving the expanding Asian cosmetic manufacturing base

  • Investment in quality control systems to meet international standards


2️⃣ 9. Genomatica, Inc.

Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
Key Offering: Bio-BDO™ (Bio-based 1,3-Butanediol) via fermentation

Genomatica is a biotechnology leader, revolutionizing chemical production with its bio-based processes. Its Bio-BDO™ offers a sustainable alternative to conventional 1,3-Butanediol, with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, appealing to eco-conscious brands.

Sustainability & Innovation Focus:

  • Pioneering microbial fermentation technology for 1,3-BDO production

  • Partnerships with major brands to create sustainable supply chains

  • Focus on enabling “green” formulations without compromising performance


1️⃣ 10. Novamont S.p.A.

Headquarters: Novara, Italy
Key Offering: Bio-based chemical intermediates from renewables

Novamont is an Italian leader in the bioplastics and bio-based chemicals sector. While its core focus is on bioplastics, its expertise in converting biomass into chemicals positions it as an emerging and strategic supplier of bio-derived intermediates like 1,3-Butanediol for the cosmetic industry.

Sustainability & Innovation Focus:

  • Integrated biorefinery model utilizing agricultural feedstocks

  • Strong alignment with the European Green Deal and circular economy goals

  • Development of fully biodegradable and biocompatible ingredients

Get Full Report Here: 1,3-Butanediol for Cosmetic Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of 1,3-Butanediol in Cosmetics is Sustainable and High-Performance

The 1,3-Butanediol market is evolving rapidly, driven by cosmetic industry megatrends. While traditional, chemically-synthesized 1,3-BDO remains the volume leader, investment and consumer demand are accelerating the shift towards bio-based and sustainably produced alternatives.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rising demand for multifunctional ingredients that simplify formulations and enhance efficacy

  • Strong growth in the Asia-Pacific cosmetic market, particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea

  • Increasing regulatory scrutiny and consumer demand for transparency, favoring high-purity, well-documented ingredients

  • Strategic partnerships between chemical suppliers and cosmetic brands to co-develop sustainable solutions

Get Full Report Here: 1,3-Butanediol for Cosmetic Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying a key cosmetic ingredient—they are enabling the development of safer, more effective, and more sustainable beauty products for consumers worldwide.