Dibutyl adipate

Dibutyl adipate (CAS 105-99-7), commonly abbreviated as DBA, is a diester plasticizer and emollient derived from adipic acid and butanol. It functions as a plasticizer, lubricant, and skin-conditioning agent across personal care, food-contact, and industrial applications. In personal care formulations, DBA acts as an emollient and spreading agent in creams, lotions, lip products, and color cosmetics. It provides a non-greasy skin feel without the heaviness of heavier esters, making it ideal for modern cosmetic formulations.

Food-contact and flavor applications use it as a solvent carrier for flavor compounds and as a plasticizer in food-grade films and packaging materials. This versatility allows for its use in various sensitive manufacturing environments. In lubricants and metalworking fluids, it serves as a synthetic base fluid or co-fluid where low-temperature performance and oxidative stability are required. It is highly valued for its consistent performance in demanding industrial settings.

It also functions as a plasticizer for cellulose-based coatings and specialty polymers where flexibility at low temperatures is a formulation requirement. This ensures that coatings remain durable and crack-resistant in cold climates. Dibutyl adipate is supplied as a clear, low-viscosity liquid in drum and IBC quantities. Cosmetic-grade and technical-grade are the most commonly available specifications for global distribution and industrial procurement.

Cosmetic-grade material meets purity requirements for personal care use, ensuring safety and efficacy in consumer products. Some suppliers offer FCC-compliant material for flavor and food-contact applications.