10.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
flavor enhancer · fragrance ingredient · solvent · chemical intermediate
Ethyl Butyrate
Also known as: ethyl butanoate, butyric acid ethyl ester
Molecular Formula
C6H12O2
Molecular Weight
116.16 g/mol
Category
flavoring agent
Bottom Line: Ethyl Butyrate is generally considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in food and cosmetics
- Not applied to broken skin or mucous membranes
- Used by individuals without known allergies to butyrate compounds
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- You are pregnant or nursing
- You are using other products containing similar compounds
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to ethyl butyrate
- You are using it in high concentrations
- You experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C6H12O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 116.16 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -93.3°C |
| Boiling Point | 120.0°C |
| Solubility | 1ml in 3ml 60% ethanol (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.8735 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Excipients, flavoring agents in syrups. Consult a healthcare provider for specific uses.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation risks.
Supplement
Flavoring agents in dietary supplements. Check for allergies before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ethyl Butyrate is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of Ethyl Butyrate is typically safe in food applications, but excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to Ethyl Butyrate is generally low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; flushing with water is recommended if exposure occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may have heightened sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy necessitates caution.
- sensitive_skin — Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated by healthy adults.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated by elderly individuals.
- breastfeeding — Considered safe for breastfeeding mothers in moderation.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate Ethyl Butyrate without significant issues. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on the effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures; use with care. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; generally considered safe. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals typically tolerate Ethyl Butyrate well. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Ethyl Butyrate is evaluated for safety in food and cosmetic applications, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Ethyl Butyrate is evaluated for safety in food and cosmetic applications, showing low toxicity.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Low irritation potential in cosmetic use.
- No significant adverse effects reported in studies.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ethyl Butyrate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Ethyl Butyrate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Ethyl Butyrate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Ethyl Butyrate is safe for use in food flavoring at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Ethyl Butyrate is permitted as a flavoring agent in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Ethyl Butyrate is permitted for use in food and cosmetics across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Ethyl Butyrate is generally recognized as safe for use in food flavoring.
Ethyl Butyrate is typically non-irritating, but some individuals may react differently.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse effects.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:29:17.020262Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.