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Moumoujus

METHYL BUTYRATE.

Avoid CAS 623-42-7 / PERFUMING

Methyl Butyrate is an organic ester primarily known for its distinct fruity aroma, often likened to pineapple or apple. While its hydrolysis product, butyrate, offers a compelling mechanistic pathway for skin health support, its predominant use in personal care is as a fragrance component.

Summary

Fragrance Potential Postbiotic Support (via hydrolyzed butyrate) Potential Anti-inflammatory (via hydrolyzed butyrate) Potential Microbiome Modulation (via hydrolyzed butyrate)

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, Methyl Butyrate is theorized to hydrolyze into butanoic acid (butyrate) and methanol. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, acts as a postbiotic that can influence the skin microbiome, suppress immune responses, inhibit inflammatory cells, and promote regulatory T-cell proliferation. Its beneficial roles are mediated by activating G-protein coupled receptors (GPR41, GPR43, GPR109a) and inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC), which may contribute to protecting against infection, UV radiation, and nourishing skin cells.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Methyl Butyrate exhibits greater stability under acidic conditions. It is susceptible to base-catalyzed hydrolysis, with a half-life of 3.3 years at a neutral pH of 7, significantly decreasing to 121 days at pH 8. Hydrolysis yields methanol and butanoic acid.

Conflicts

  • strong acids (exothermic reaction)
  • strong bases (hydrolysis)
  • strong oxidizing agents
  • alkali metals
  • hydrides

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

Recognized by the FDA as a substance added to food and listed by IFRA as a fragrance ingredient. It is reported as a skin irritant, and can also be irritating to the eyes and respiratory system. Ingestion and skin contact are associated with moderate toxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Given its primary role as a fragrance, reported moderate skin irritancy, and lack of direct clinical evidence for skincare efficacy, Methyl Butyrate is not recommended for precision skincare formulations.

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