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Moumoujus

BUTOXYETHYL ACETATE.

Questionable CAS 112-07-2 / FRAGRANCE, SOLVENT

Butoxyethyl acetate is a high-boiling solvent and coalescing agent that serves primarily as a processing aid in cosmetic formulations. While demonstrating low irritation potential in clinical testing, its primary role lies in hair and nail product applications rather than facial skincare.

Summary

solvent fragrance solvent coalescing agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functions as a solvent system that penetrates the skin barrier and undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis by esterases into 2-butoxyethanol, followed by metabolic conversion to 2-butoxyacetic acid. The compound exhibits defatting properties on the stratum corneum, potentially increasing transepidermal water loss with repeated exposure.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 2–10%
Optimal

4%

Key findings

  1. 01 Repeated Insult Patch Test with 201 subjects showed no sensitization at 10% concentration
  2. 02 Semi-occlusive application study demonstrated subclinical irritant effects at 10%
  3. 03 48-hour occlusive patch testing revealed minimal irritation potential

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Regulatory restrictions limit usage to specific product categories, making dusting practices unlikely in skincare formulations

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 4 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Maintains stability under standard storage conditions within neutral pH ranges, though susceptible to ester hydrolysis under extreme acidic or alkaline conditions

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Alkali metals
  • Nitrides
  • Strong reducing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

CIR Panel restricts safety assessment to hair and nail applications only. EU regulations limit to 4% in oxidative hair dyes, 2% in non-oxidative formulations, with aerosol spray prohibition.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

A specialized solvent ingredient with regulatory restrictions limiting its application to hair and nail products, making it unsuitable for precision facial skincare formulations.

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