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DIBUTYL ADIPATE

Last update on Jan 2, 2025
Dibutyl Adipate is an ester with excellent emollient, film-forming, and solvent properties. It is widely used in cosmetic formulations to enhance product spreadability and provide a silky-smooth finish. It forms a lightweight and non-greasy film that softens and smooths the surface of the skin. Additionally, this ingredient enhances product stability and uniformity by dissolving the active ingredients. In its raw form, Dibutyl Adipate appears as a clear and colorless oily liquid with a mild, ester-like odor. It is commonly added to products like moisturizers, sunscreens, foundations, and leave-in products. The chemical formula of Dibutyl Adipate is C14H26O4.
CAS Number: 105-99-7Chem/IUPAC Name: Dibutyl adipateEINECS/ELINCS No: 203-350-4COSING REF No: 75650

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What is DIBUTYL ADIPATE used for?

Dibutyl Adipate is a versatile ingredient in cosmetics, known for its emollient and solvent properties. It enhances the texture and spreadability of products, leaving a lightweight, silky finish. Dibutyl Adipate is commonly used in sunscreens to dissolve UV filters and ensure even application. In skincare, it provides hydration without greasiness, making it ideal for moisturizers and anti-aging creams. Makeup products like foundations, lipsticks, and mascaras use Dibutyl Adipate for its film-forming and plasticizing properties, improving durability and flexibility. Additionally, its compatibility with a wide range of ingredients makes it valuable in hair care and body care formulations for smooth application.

Origin

Dibutyl Adipate is synthesized through the esterification of adipic acid with butanol. In this process, adipic acid reacts with excess butanol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid. The reaction is conducted under controlled temperatures, typically 120–160°C, to promote ester formation. Water, a by-product, is continuously removed to drive the reaction to completion. The resulting mixture is purified through distillation or filtration to obtain high-purity Dibutyl Adipate for cosmetic use.

What does DIBUTYL ADIPATE do in a formulation?

EMOLLIENT|
FILM FORMING|
HUMECTANT|
PLASTICISER|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
SMOOTHING|
SOLVENT

Safety Profile

Dibutyl Adipate is a safe, non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic ingredient that is well-tolerated by most skin types. It is considered to have a low comedogenic potential, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores or cause acne. Its lightweight and non-greasy texture makes it suitable for use in formulations intended for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. However, patch tests are recommended to ensure individual compatibility.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE technical profile

Property Values
Boiling Point 305°C
Melting Point -32°C
pH 6.0
Solubility Insoluble in water; miscible in oil
Viscosity Low