Butyl Acetate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 123-86-4, N-BUTYL ACETATE, Acetic acid, Butyl ester, Butyl ethanoate, 1-Butyl acetate, Acetic Acid Butyl Ester, N-Butyl ethanoate, Butylacetat, Acetate de butyle
Synthetic
Solvent
Clean
Butyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 72 - 88 °F. Density 7.4 lb / gal (less than water). Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air.
Solubility 1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H12O2
Mol. Weight
116.16
CAS #
123-86-4
Form
Liquid
State
Butyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 72 - 88 °F. Density 7.4 lb / gal (less than water). Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air.
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Antimicrobial
Provides scent
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester first produced industrially in the early 20th century, later adopted as a solvent in cosmetics and nail products. It has no traditional use history.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR