Isobutane Average New ingredients No known benefits Isobutane at a glance Colorless, odorless gas Used as a propellant for aerosol cans Considered nontoxic as used in cosmetics Has Generally Recognized As Safe status as a food ingredient Isobutane description Isobutane is a colorless and odorless gas used as a propellant for aerosol cans (think spray sunscreens and hairspray). It occurs in small amounts in petroleum and natural gas but is produced in a refinery process that removes contaminants. Isobutane is considered nontoxic as used in cosmetics, where it is included at levels far below those deemed unsafe. In addition to its use as an aerosol propellant, isobutane is also commonly employed as a refrigerant, and is even considered a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) food ingredient such as for whipped toppings used on desserts.