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Moumoujus

BUTYL SALICYLATE.

Valuable CAS 2052-14-4 / PERFUMING

A multifunctional ester that serves as both a fragrance component and skin conditioning agent with notable penetration-enhancing properties. This oil-soluble compound metabolizes into salicylic acid upon skin absorption, providing gentle exfoliation benefits while facilitating deeper delivery of other active ingredients. Additionally functions as a secondary UV filter and photostabilizer in sunscreen formulations.

Summary

Penetration enhancer Fragrance Skin conditioning UV absorber Photostabilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functions through enzymatic hydrolysis by skin esterases, converting to salicylic acid and n-butanol upon penetration. Acts as a penetration enhancer by temporarily altering skin barrier properties, allowing improved delivery of complementary actives like vitamin C into deeper dermal layers. The resulting salicylic acid provides mild keratolytic effects while the compound's inherent UV-absorbing properties offer supplementary photoprotection.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1–8%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Non-irritating at 100% concentration in rabbit skin studies (CIR Expert Panel, 2003-2018)
  2. 02 Rapid absorption with complete depletion from skin surface within 3 hours, superior penetration vs salicylic acid (ResearchGate, 2025)
  3. 03 No sensitization observed at 5% induction concentration in guinea pig maximization test (TGA/CIR, 2003)

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
1%
Red flag below
0.1%

Primarily used as functional ingredient rather than marketing claim, minimal dusting concerns due to legitimate penetration-enhancing and conditioning properties

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Susceptible to hydrolysis at extreme pH levels, requiring neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Maintains stability in anhydrous systems and benefits from antioxidant protection.

Synergies

  • Vitamin C derivatives
  • Chemical UV filters
  • Oil-soluble actives

Conflicts

  • Iron salts
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Trace transition metals

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
35.9%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

CIR-approved with excellent safety profile. Maximum concentrations vary by application, with fragrance use typically 1-8% and specialized formulations up to 35.9%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A scientifically-backed multifunctional ingredient offering genuine penetration enhancement and conditioning benefits with excellent safety credentials.

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