Common Name(s): Butoxyethyl nicotinate,butoxyethyl nicotinate,niacin circulation ester,warming vasodilatory active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides nicotinic acid-mediated skin flushing and vasodilation through prostaglandin d2 release from langerhans cells โ improving local microcirculation for anti-cellulite and circulation-enhancing formulations.
Why It's Used: The butoxyethyl ester raises nicotinic acid logp from -0.4 to ~2.5, dramatically improving sc penetration for localised niacin flush vasodilation in topical products where free nicotinic acid's poor penetration limits efficacy.
How It Works: Skin esterases hydrolyse butoxyethyl nicotinate releasing free nicotinic acid. free niacin activates gpr109a receptor on langerhans cells โ pgdโ release โ dp1 receptor on dermal blood vessels โ pka โ smooth muscle relaxation โ vasodilation. the visible skin redness (flushing) confirms vasodilation โ the consumer-visible efficacy signal supporting circulation claims.
Typically Found In: Anti-cellulite,warming massage,circulation products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Flushing onset: butoxyethyl nicotinate ester hydrolysis provides delayed onset (10-20 minutes) versus direct nicotinic acid application โ the delayed ester activation provides more comfortable gradual warming versus the abrupt flushing from free nicotinic acid.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,butoxyethyl nicotinate niacin warming vasodilation review