What Is Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate?
Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate, also written as Ethyl N-acetyl-N-butyl-β-alaninate, is a lab-made ester created by combining an acetylated amino acid with alcohol. It starts with β-alanine, a simple amino acid that is modified with a butyl group then linked to ethanol during a controlled reaction. The result is a clear, lightly oily liquid that mixes well with other cosmetic ingredients.
The compound first appeared in personal care labs in the early 2000s when chemists looked for gentler skin conditioners that could double as mild cleansers. Thanks to its adaptable structure and low odor it quickly found a place in modern skin care formulas.
Manufacturers produce it in stainless steel reactors where temperature and pH are kept steady to encourage the esterification step. After the reaction finishes the mix is purified through vacuum distillation and filtration to remove any leftover solvents or reactants, leaving a cosmetic-grade ingredient.
You will most often spot Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate in lightweight lotions, daily facial moisturizers, sheet masks, after-sun gels and leave-on treatments aimed at soothing or refreshing the skin. Its dual role means it can also appear in micellar waters and gentle cleansing milks where a soft skin feel is desired.
Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient offers two main functions that improve both the feel and performance of a product
- Skin Conditioning: It forms a light, breathable layer on the surface that helps the skin feel smooth and hydrated. This boosts the overall sensory experience of creams and gels making them feel silky without heaviness.
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant nature loosens dirt and excess oil so they rinse away easily. Because it is less harsh than many traditional cleansers it helps maintain the skin’s natural balance while still providing a fresh finish.
Who Can Use Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate
Most skin types can use this ingredient because it is lightweight non greasy and has a gentle cleansing action. Oily and combination skin appreciate the light finish while dry skin benefits from the soft conditioning film it leaves behind. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well although anyone with a history of allergies to esters or surfactants should proceed with extra care. There are no known concerns for mature or acne prone skin.
Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate is made entirely from synthetic building blocks so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal derived substances are needed at any stage of its manufacture though cruelty free status depends on each brand’s individual testing policies.
Current data shows no link between this ingredient and reproductive toxicity so it is considered low risk for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and expecting or nursing parents should ask a healthcare professional before adding any new skincare product to their routine.
The molecule does not absorb UV light or cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun so photosensitivity is not a concern. It also plays well with common actives like niacinamide vitamin C and low level acids making formula layering straightforward.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possibilities not probabilities and most users experience none of them when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild stinging or warmth on application
- Temporary redness or flushing
- Light itching or tingling in very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis for individuals already allergic to similar esters
- Increased dryness if used in high concentrations without additional moisturizers
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate is a light ester that spreads thinly and does not linger in pores the way heavier oils can. Its molecule is relatively small and designed to rinse clean, which keeps buildup to a minimum and lowers the chance of clogging follicles.
Because of this low rating it is generally considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts, provided the rest of the formula is also non-comedogenic.
No published data links this ingredient to worsening blackheads or pustules and most commercial products use it at modest levels well below any threshold that might raise pore-blocking risk.
Summary
Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate serves two key purposes in skincare: it conditions by forming a breathable softness on the skin and it offers mild cleansing thanks to its surfactant-like structure. By pairing an acetylated amino acid with ethanol the molecule becomes both skin-friendly and easy to rinse, giving products a silky glide while lifting away surface grime.
It is not a mainstream superstar but it has carved out a niche in lightweight moisturizers, after-sun gels and gentle micellar cleansers where a fresh non-greasy feel is prized. Safety reviews show a low rate of irritation with no evidence of toxicity at cosmetic levels, yet as with any new ingredient it is smart to patch test a small area before full-face use just to be safe.