What Is Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate?
Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate is an organic compound that belongs to the carbamate family, a group of ingredients created when an alcohol reacts with carbamic acid. In this case the alcohol portion is butyl, joined to a trimethyl-substituted cyclohexane ring. The result is a lightweight, oil-soluble molecule that mixes well with the kinds of emollients and silicones commonly used in skin care.
The ingredient was first explored in the late 1990s by specialty chemical suppliers looking for gentle skin conditioners that could match the silky feel of some silicones but with better staying power. After safety testing met cosmetic regulations in the United States, Europe and parts of Asia, Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate began appearing in commercial formulas in the early 2000s.
Manufacturers typically synthesize it in a multi-step process that starts with hydrogenated resins derived from petroleum or plant-based terpenes. These are converted to trimethylcyclohexanol, then reacted with butyl isocyanate under carefully controlled heat and pressure. The finished material is purified to remove residual solvents and isocyanates before being shipped as a clear, low-odor liquid.
You will most often find Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate in moisturizers, night creams, anti-aging serums, rinse-off masks and leave-on facial treatments. Formulators value its versatility because it can be used in both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions, and remains stable across a wide pH range.
Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In topical products this ingredient serves one primary role.
Skin conditioning: Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate forms a thin, breathable layer that smooths the skin surface, helping it feel softer and more supple. By trapping a modest amount of moisture against the skin it supports a healthy-looking barrier without leaving a greasy after-feel, making it suitable for both daytime lotions and richer night creams.
Who Can Use Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate
This silky conditioning agent is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and sensitive skin, because it adds lightweight softness without a heavy occlusive feel. Oily and acne-prone users usually find it does not leave a residue that clogs pores, though those who react easily to any emollient should still pay attention to how their skin responds.
The ingredient is produced through a fully synthetic process, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived raw materials are required and animal testing bans in many regions mean suppliers rely on alternative safety assessments.
Current safety data do not flag Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
The molecule itself is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it should not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection is still recommended whenever using leave-on products.
Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate plays well with most common actives, fragrances and preservatives, so formulators seldom report compatibility issues worth noting for end users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate differ from person to person. The points below represent potential adverse effects, yet most users who apply a properly formulated product will not experience them.
- Mild skin irritation, most often presenting as temporary redness or tingling
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to carbamate structures
- Transient stinging if the product is applied to broken skin or comes in direct contact with the eyes
- Rare acne flare-ups in users extremely prone to comedones when the ingredient is part of a very rich formula
If any discomfort, rash or persistent breakout occurs, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate is a lightweight, oil-soluble molecule that spreads easily and leaves minimal residue, so it has very low pore-clogging potential. Its structure lacks the long fatty chains that usually drive comedogenicity, and most finished formulas include it at modest concentrations alongside non-occlusive carriers.
Given this low score it is generally suitable for skin that tends to break out, though extremely acne-prone users may still prefer to monitor how their skin responds in richer formulas.
Formulation matters: paired with heavy butters or waxes the overall product could still feel more occlusive, so the ingredient’s environment in the formula can influence real-world performance.
Summary
Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate is a synthetic skin-conditioning agent that smooths the surface, softens texture and helps hold a touch of moisture by forming a thin breathable film. It does this without the greasy feel of some traditional emollients, which makes it attractive for both light lotions and night creams.
The ingredient remains a quiet workhorse rather than a headline-grabbing star, appearing mainly in mid to premium moisturizers where formulators need a silky but stable conditioner.
Existing safety assessments rate it as low risk for irritation or sensitization, with no major red flags for any skin type. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate before rolling it into a daily routine.