What Is Butyloctyl Benzoate?
Butyloctyl Benzoate is an ester created by joining benzoic acid with 2-butyl-1-octanol, a branched fatty alcohol. The result is a clear, low-viscosity liquid that feels silky on skin and spreads easily. Most commercial supply comes from petrochemical feedstocks, though some manufacturers start with plant-derived alcohols sourced from coconut or sugarcane fermentation to meet natural-origin claims.
The ingredient emerged in the 1990s as chemists searched for light, versatile emollients that could replace heavier oils and certain silicones. Because its structure balances an aromatic benzoate head with a long, branched tail, it delivers a smooth feel without being greasy, which quickly made it a favorite in modern skin and color formulas.
Production involves a straightforward esterification: benzoic acid reacts with 2-butyl-1-octanol under heat and an acid catalyst, water is removed, then the mixture is purified by distillation. The process is efficient and yields a high-purity cosmetic grade liquid.
You will most often see Butyloctyl Benzoate in lightweight moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging serums, foundations, lipsticks, hair-conditioning sprays and cleansing balms where a non-oily slip and good pigment dispersion are needed.
Butyloctyl Benzoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ester brings several practical benefits to personal care formulas:
- Plasticiser: Improves the flexibility of film-forming resins so makeup, sunscreen or styling products dry evenly without cracking or flaking, helping the finish stay comfortable and smooth.
- Skin conditioning: Leaves a soft, cushioned after-feel that can reduce the perception of dryness and rough patches, enhancing overall skin comfort.
- Emollient: Creates a thin, breathable layer that locks in moisture while delivering a silky glide, making creams and serums feel elegant and non-greasy.
- Solvent: Efficiently dissolves UV filters, fragrances and colorants, ensuring even distribution and stability of active ingredients throughout the product.
Who Can Use Butyloctyl Benzoate
Because it is lightweight and non greasy, Butyloctyl Benzoate suits most skin types including dry, normal and combination. Oily or acne prone users usually tolerate it well since it has a low tendency to clog pores, though extremely blemish prone individuals may prefer to monitor how their skin responds in high use formulas. Its smooth slip makes it especially pleasant for mature or dehydrated skin that dislikes heavy oils. Sensitive skin generally finds it gentle, yet anyone with a known allergy to benzoates should proceed cautiously.
The molecule is synthetic or plant derived with no animal sourced components, so it is compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Brands that pursue a vegan claim should verify that the specific supplier does not use animal based processing aids.
No data link Butyloctyl Benzoate to hormonal activity, so it is considered acceptable for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing individuals should still review any skincare product with their healthcare provider to be safe.
The ester does not increase photosensitivity or make skin more prone to sunburn. It also shows no interaction with common actives like retinoids or acids, allowing it to layer easily in most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Butyloctyl Benzoate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Skin irritation mild stinging or redness can occur on compromised or highly sensitive skin
- Contact allergy very rare cases of rash or itching in people allergic to benzoic acid derivatives
- Eye irritation possible watering or discomfort if a product containing the ester accidentally gets into the eyes
- Breakouts in very acne prone skin heavy leave on products with high levels might occasionally trigger clogged pores
If any of these reactions develop stop using the product and seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Butyloctyl Benzoate is a light, branched ester that spreads thinly and evaporates slowly, so it does not sit in pores the way heavier plant oils or waxes can. Most lab and consumer evaluations find it unlikely to trigger blackheads or whiteheads, even at higher percentages. It is therefore generally considered suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin. As with any ingredient, the finished formula and the user’s unique skin chemistry also play a role in how it behaves.
Summary
Butyloctyl Benzoate acts as an emollient, skin conditioner, plasticiser and solvent. Its silky texture fills in tiny surface gaps to soften skin, improves the flexibility of films so makeup and sunscreen feel smooth, and dissolves pigments or UV filters to keep formulas uniform. These strengths make it a handy replacement for heavier oils or some silicones, which has helped it gain popularity in lightweight face creams, sunscreens and color cosmetics over the past decade, though it is still less famous than ingredients like dimethicone.
Current safety data show a low risk of irritation or sensitisation for the vast majority of users and no links to hormone disruption. While it carries a low comedogenic rating and is widely viewed as safe, everyone’s skin is different so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains it before full use.