murphyButyl Methacrylate
AKA: 97-88-1, N-Butyl methacrylate, Butyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate, Butylmethacrylate, Butylmethacrylaat, Butyl 2-methacrylate, Butil metacrilato, 2-Methyl-butylacrylat, 2-Methyl-butylacrylaat
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
OriginDerived from methacrylic acid and butanol, belonging to the acrylate polymer chemical family. Synthesized through esterification of methacrylic acid with butanol, then polymerized via free radical polymerization.
Based on available data, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that ... Butyl Methacrylate is safe as used in nail enhancement products when skin contact is avoided. Products containing these ingredients should be accompanied with directions to avoid skin contact, because of the sensitizing potential of Methacrylates.
Solubility Insoluble (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C8H14O2
Mol. Weight
142.20
CAS #
97-88-1
Form
Powder
State
Butyl, decyl, cetyl, eicosyl methacrylate appears as a colorless liquid with a mild odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. (USCG, 1999)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Antimicrobial
Creates protective layer
Provides scent
Controls product thickness
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
6
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Skin Irritant in Testing
4 studies / 4 irritating / reactions moderate (CIR 339)
Mixed Sensitization Results
6 studies / 3 sensitizing / 3 not sensitizing / reactions moderate to strong / plus 4 case reports (CIR 339)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2020 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR