Propyl Acetate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 109-60-4, N-PROPYL ACETATE, Acetic acid, Propyl ester, Propyl ethanoate, 1-Acetoxypropane, 1-Propyl acetate, Octan propylu, Acetic acid n-propyl ester, Propylacetate
Synthetic
Fragrance
Solvent
Clean
Propyl acetate is an acetate ester obtained by the formal condensation of acetic acid with propanol. It has a role as a fragrance and a plant metabolite. It is functionally related to a propan-1-ol.
Solubility 2 % (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
C5H10O2
Mol. Weight
102.13
CAS #
109-60-4
Form
Liquid
State
N-propyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 58 °F. Less dense than water, Vapors are 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.
Strengthens Barrier
Adds pleasant scent
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Developed in the early 20th century as a synthetic ester. Used in cosmetics as a solvent and fragrance component, and later as a solubilizer in nail lacquers and other formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR