Butyloctyl Benzoate is a synthetic ester derived from benzoic acid and butyloctanol. This compound is valued for its beneficial properties, making it popular in various applications, particularly in the fields of cosmetics and personal care.
Chemical Composition and Structure
The chemical composition of Butyloctyl Benzoate includes a mixture of esters formed by the reaction of benzoic acid with butyloctanol. The structure of these esters imparts unique characteristics to the compound, such as enhanced flexibility and spreadability.
Physical Properties
Butyloctyl Benzoate typically appears as a clear liquid with a smooth, oily texture. It is insoluble in water but soluble in oils and organic solvents.
Production Process
The production of Butyloctyl Benzoate involves several steps:
- Sourcing of Raw Materials: benzoic acid and butyloctanol are selected and prepared for the reaction.
- Esterification Reaction: benzoic acid is reacted with butyloctanol in the presence of a catalyst to form butyloctyl esters.
- Purification: the reaction product is purified to remove any impurities and unreacted components.
- Formulation and Packaging: the final product is formulated to achieve the desired consistency and packaged under controlled conditions to ensure stability and purity.
Applications
Cosmetics: in the cosmetics industry, Butyloctyl Benzoate is valued for its emollient, moisturizing, and film-forming properties. It is commonly included in formulations of creams, lotions, lip balms, lipsticks, and makeup products.
Personal Care: Butyloctyl Benzoate is used in various personal care products such as deodorants, hair styling products, and sunscreens for its ability to provide texture, stability, and a protective barrier on the skin.
Pharmaceuticals: it can also be used in certain pharmaceutical formulations to modify the release rate of active ingredients and improve the texture and application of topical products.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Environmental Impact: the production of Butyloctyl Benzoate generally has a moderate environmental impact. Sustainable sourcing of raw materials and the use of environmentally friendly processes can help minimize the overall impact.
Safety: Butyloctyl Benzoate is considered safe for topical use in the concentrations typically employed in consumer products. However, it is essential to ensure that the compound is free from contaminants and that it complies with regulatory standards. Allergic reactions are rare but cannot be excluded.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics - INCI Functions
Plasticiser. Ingredient added to the formulation with the purpose of retaining fragrance and colour, increasing flexibility, flowability, deformability, durability of various ingredients allowing better processing.
Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
CAS: 1888038-97-3
Synonyms: Benzoic acid, 2-butyloctyl ester
