The ingredient, explained

Butyloctyl Salicylate

A published expert safety assessment covers the exact ingredient in the specified exposure context.

Hair conditioningSkin conditioningSolvent

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-butyloctyl ester

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Hair conditioning: Improves cosmetic hair properties such as softness, shine or combability.
Skin conditioning: A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.
Solvent: Dissolves other ingredients in a formula.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Safety assessment

Panel judged assessed salicylates safe when formulated to be nonirritating and nonsensitizing, potentially using quantitative risk assessment.

What this does not tell us

Group safety review with ingredient and exposure limits. Does not transfer free salicylic acid acne efficacy or establish sunscreen activity for this ester.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 41243163 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.