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Moumoujus

N-BUTYL ALCOHOL.

Optional CAS 71-36-3 / DENATURANT, PERFUMING, SOLVENT

N-Butyl Alcohol is a clear, organic compound primarily utilized in precision skincare formulations for its exceptional solvent properties, facilitating the dissolution and even distribution of other active and inactive ingredients. Beyond its foundational role as a solvent, it serves multifacetted functions, including texture enhancement and mild preservation.

Summary

solvent denaturant perfuming texture enhancer humectant emulsion stabilizer odor modifier dispersant viscosity regulator gentle preservative

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functioning primarily as a highly effective solvent, N-Butyl Alcohol works by dissolving diverse components within cosmetic formulations, thereby ensuring homogeneous product consistency and ingredient dispersion. Its influence extends to supporting overall formulation stability, including emulsification and viscosity modulation, and it can also contribute to the sensory profile by softening product odors. Biologically, its solvent characteristics may subtly interact with biological membranes and enzyme activity.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical assessments of nail enamel products containing 3% N-Butyl Alcohol generally demonstrated a lack of irritant, sensitizing, or photoallergenic potential across studies involving hundreds of subjects.
  2. 02 Testing for non-immunological contact urticaria yielded negative results in a cohort of 105 individuals.
  3. 03 While instances of ocular irritation were observed with a 0.005 ml of 40% solution, and edema in 4 out of 105 dermatological patients (unspecified concentration), repeat-insult patch tests largely reported minimal reactions, with significant positive responses often attributed to co-solvents rather than N-Butyl Alcohol itself.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

N-Butyl Alcohol is stable under typical cosmetic use conditions. However, it presents a fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or strong oxidizers. Explosive vapor/air mixtures can form above 29°C.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizers (e.g., chromium trioxide)
  • strong mineral acids
  • alkali metals
  • halogens
  • aluminum (forms flammable hydrogen gas)
  • some plastics and rubbers
  • suspension-type nail lacquers containing modified montmorillonite clays

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.002%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has affirmed N-Butyl Alcohol as safe for use in cosmetics, with specific concentration limits. While initially assessed for nail products (up to 15%), its safety was later extended to other cosmetic categories at significantly lower concentrations (0.002%). The FDA also recognizes it as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food flavoring and as an inactive ingredient in certain pharmaceuticals. Clinical studies generally indicate a low risk for skin sensitization at recommended cosmetic concentrations, despite some external databases assigning a high irritancy rating.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

N-Butyl Alcohol is a versatile solvent and formulation aid, deemed safe by CIR within stringent concentration limits for skincare, offering multiple benefits despite a noted potential for irritation from certain sources.

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