Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

BUTOXYETHYL NICOTINATE.

Optional CAS 13912-80-6 / 1322-29-8 / SKIN CONDITIONING

A potent vasodilating ester that acts as a prodrug, converting to nicotinic acid upon skin contact to create intense warming sensations and temporary reddening. This specialized ingredient triggers localized blood vessel dilation through prostaglandin D2 release, making it valuable for targeted circulation enhancement. Its strong rubefacient properties require careful concentration control to balance efficacy with tolerability.

Summary

vasodilator rubefacient skin conditioning circulation enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functions as an ester prodrug that hydrolyzes on skin contact to release nicotinic acid, which binds to GPR109A receptors on keratinocytes and Langerhans cells. This binding triggers prostaglandin D2 release, causing peripheral blood vessel dilation that increases localized circulation and produces the characteristic niacin flush with intense warming sensation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.01–2.5%
Optimal

0.1%

Key findings

  1. 01 2.5% concentration combined with 0.4% nonivamide showed significant rubefacient and analgesic effects for musculoskeletal conditions
  2. 02 0.01-0.1% range demonstrated effective warming sensation and hyperemia suitable for cosmetic applications

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.01%
Red flag below
0.1%

Given its intense warming effects and high irritancy potential, any meaningful concentration above 0.01% would produce noticeable sensory effects, making dusting impractical and potentially problematic

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 3 – 5.5
0 7 14

Stability

Highly susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis which breaks down the ester into nicotinic acid and 2-butoxyethanol. Requires acidic pH environment for optimal stability, with glycols like glycerol or PEG enhancing stability.

Synergies

  • glycerol
  • PEG
  • acidic buffers

Conflicts

  • strong bases
  • alkaline buffers
  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
2.5%
Sensitization risk High

CIR Expert Panel reaffirmed safety in 2008 for nicotinate esters. Medical formulations use up to 2.5%, but cosmetic use typically self-limits to under 0.1% due to intensity of response. Classified as GHS skin irritant.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

A specialized ingredient with proven circulation-enhancing effects, but limited to specific applications due to high irritancy and intense sensory response.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…

References

Sources