The Index · Emollient ester / solvent
Dibutyl Adipate
Dibutyl Adipate
Diester emollient and solvent frequently used to dissolve organic UV filters.
FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits
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Diester emollient and solvent frequently used to dissolve organic UV filters.
What it does
Improves SPF solubility and skin feel in modern chemical sunscreen bases.
The evidence
Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Functional UV-filter solvent; CIR alkyl dicarboxylic esters context. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.
What it does in the formula
Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits
Diester emollient and solvent frequently used to dissolve organic UV filters.[1]
Safety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Alkyl Dicarboxylic Acid Esters. CIR (2014)regulator
- [2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Dibutyl Adipate. SpecialChem (2024)other
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk