What Is Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate?
Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a synthetic molecule derived from 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Chemically it is an ester that belongs to the family of hindered phenolic antioxidants, recognizable by its two bulky tert-butyl groups attached to a hydroxyphenyl ring. These bulky groups help the molecule neutralize free radicals without breaking down quickly, which is why it is valued in cosmetics.
The ingredient was first explored in the 1970s by polymer scientists searching for stabilizers that could keep plastics from degrading in sunlight. Its ability to slow oxidation soon attracted the attention of cosmetic chemists who face the same challenge with oils, fragrances and delicate actives. Over time regulatory reviews confirmed its safety for topical use and it began appearing in commercial skin care and makeup by the late 1990s.
Industrial production starts with petrochemical intermediates. The base phenol is alkylated to attach the tert-butyl groups, then reacted with hydroxycinnamic acid followed by esterification with methanol. The final crystalline powder is purified through recrystallization and supplied to formulators as a fine, off-white solid that dissolves in most cosmetic oils.
You will most often spot Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate in oil-rich products where oxidative stability is critical: facial oils, antioxidant serums, sunscreens, rich creams, lipstick, fragrance blends and hair masks. It is usually present at very low levels, often under 0.1 percent, working behind the scenes to keep textures smooth and scents true throughout the product’s shelf life.
Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings two key functions to a formulation
- Antioxidant – Scavenges free radicals that would otherwise oxidize oils, pigments and active ingredients. By slowing down this degradation it helps maintain product color, texture and effectiveness for longer, reducing rancid odors and extending shelf life.
- Perfuming – Contributes a very mild, pleasant scent that can round out the overall fragrance profile of a formula or mask the raw odor of other ingredients, allowing perfumers to use fewer additional fragrance chemicals.
Who Can Use Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is considered suitable for most skin types, including oily, dry, combination and mature skin, because it is used in very low concentrations and is not known to clog pores or disturb the skin barrier. Extremely sensitive or allergy-prone individuals may wish to monitor how their skin responds, as any antioxidant can occasionally trigger redness or stinging in reactive skin.
The ingredient is synthesized entirely from petrochemical feedstocks, with no animal-derived components, so it is generally accepted by both vegans and vegetarians. As always, those following strict cruelty-free lifestyles should verify the finished product’s animal testing policy.
No specific restrictions have been issued regarding its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Available safety assessments show minimal dermal absorption and no reproductive toxicity at cosmetic use levels. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare choices with a qualified healthcare provider.
Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate does not cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless on skin once the product dries down so it should not interfere with personal fragrance preferences.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects or reactions to topical Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues only; when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels most people experience no problems.
- Mild skin irritation: Rare cases of redness, itching or burning have been reported, usually in individuals with existing sensitivities to phenolic antioxidants
- Contact allergy: Very uncommon allergic contact dermatitis may develop after repeated exposure in highly reactive users
- Eye irritation: If the ingredient accidentally enters the eye it may cause temporary stinging or watering until rinsed out
- Acne flare-up: Heavy, oil-rich formulas that contain this antioxidant could provoke breakouts in acne-prone skin even though the antioxidant itself is not comedogenic
If any negative reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5. Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a small, oil-soluble antioxidant that is used at very low levels and does not form heavy films on the skin, so it does not block pores or feed acne-causing bacteria. It is therefore generally suitable for people who are prone to breakouts. Because the ingredient tends to ride along in lightweight carrier oils rather than thick butters, its presence alone seldom shifts a formula’s pore-clogging potential. If a product containing it still triggers pimples the culprit is more likely the overall base rather than the antioxidant itself.
Summary
Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate works as an antioxidant and a soft perfuming agent. Its hindered phenolic structure donates hydrogen atoms to neutralize free radicals before they can oxidize oils, pigments or active ingredients, helping products keep their color scent and texture. At the same time it adds a faint pleasant aroma that can round out a fragrance blend or mask raw ingredient odors.
While effective it is not a headline ingredient so you will usually find it buried near the end of an ingredient list, especially in lipsticks sunscreens and rich creams that need extra oxidative stability. It remains a niche but reliable workhorse favored by formulators who want shelf life insurance without adding heavy waxes or high levels of synthetic fragrance.
Safety data show very low skin absorption, rare irritation and no comedogenicity at cosmetic use levels, so most people can use it without concern. As with any new product though it is smart to try a small patch first to make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.