Isobutyl Methacrylate

AKA: 97-86-9, Methacrylic acid, Isobutyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methylpropyl ester, Isobutyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate, 2-METHYLPROPYL METHACRYLATE, Isobutyl alpha-methacrylate, Isobutyl alpha-methylacrylate, Isobutylester kyseliny methakrylove
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
2-Propenoic Acid, 2- Methyl-, 2-Methylpropyl Ester
Solubility Insoluble (<1mg/ml) (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C8H14O2
Mol. Weight
142.20
CAS #
97-86-9
Form
Powder
State
Isobutyl methacrylate is a colorless liquid with a flash point of 120 °F. When heated to high temperatures it may release acrid smoke and fumes. If it is subjected to heat for prolonged periods or bec
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Creates Protective Barrier
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic monomer developed for polymerization in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics as a film-forming ingredient in nail polishes and other decorative products.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR