Ethyl Acetate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 141-78-6, Ethyl ethanoate, Acetic acid ethyl ester, Vinegar naphtha, Acetoxyethane, Acetic ether, Ethyl acetic ester, Acetic acid, Ethyl ester, Acetidin
Synthetic
Fragrance
Solvent
Clean
Ethyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 24 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.
Solubility 50 to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C4H8O2
Mol. Weight
88.11
CAS #
141-78-6
Form
Liquid
State
Ethyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 24 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Adds Fragrance
Dissolves Ingredients
Adds pleasant scent
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Developed as a simple synthetic ester in the 19th century for industrial use. Incorporated into nail lacquers and cosmetic formulations mid-20th century as a volatile solvent and evaporative agent.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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