Common Name(s): Riboflavin tetrabutyrate,riboflavin tetrabutyrate,riboflavin ester,lipophilic vitamin b2

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides riboflavin fad/fmn cofactor to glutathione reductase and other skin antioxidant enzymes, with c4 butyrate esterification providing lipid-phase delivery to membrane-bound enzyme sites.

Why It's Used: Riboflavin tetrabutyrate is selected over free riboflavin for its lipophilic character — the four butyrate esters raise logp from -1.4 to approximately +2, enabling sc penetration and delivery to lipid-associated antioxidant enzymes.

How It Works: Riboflavin tetrabutyrate → sc esterase hydrolysis → riboflavin → phosphorylation → fmn → fad; fad provides fadh₂ reduction potential for glutathione reductase → gsh regeneration.

Typically Found In: Antioxidant skin care,brightening

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Riboflavin's characteristic yellow colour requires concentration management in colourless formulations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,riboflavin tetrabutyrate vitamin b2 lipophilic review