Ingredient review
Butyl Anthranilate
INCI: Butyl Anthranilate
Butyl Anthranilate is a synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it is rarely used alone and is often paired with other UV filters.
In plain English
Butyl Anthranilate is a man-made ingredient that absorbs UVA rays from the sun, helping to prevent skin damage and premature aging. It is not as common as newer filters like avobenzone, but it can still be found in some sunscreen formulas, usually combined with other sun-protecting ingredients to give broad-spectrum coverage.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Butyl Anthranilate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Butyl Anthranilate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Butyl Anthranilate is a synthetic organic compound that belongs to the anthranilate family. It is a UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, converting it into less harmful heat energy.
How it works
When applied to the skin, Butyl Anthranilate absorbs UVA light (320–400 nm) and dissipates the energy as heat, preventing it from penetrating deeper into the skin and causing damage like collagen breakdown or DNA mutations.
Pros
UVA protection
Absorbs UVA rays, which are linked to skin aging and long-term damage, helping to maintain healthier skin over time.
Formulation stability
Butyl Anthranilate is relatively stable in sunscreen formulas, meaning it doesn't break down quickly under sunlight, offering consistent protection.
Cons and cautions
Less effective than modern filters
Compared to newer UVA filters like avobenzone or Tinosorb S, Butyl Anthranilate provides weaker protection and may need higher concentrations to be effective.
Limited availability
This ingredient is not commonly used in today's sunscreens, so finding products containing it can be difficult, and it may not offer the broadest protection.
Best for
- People looking for broad-spectrum sun protection
- Those with sensitive skin who tolerate synthetic filters well
Use caution if
- Individuals seeking the most advanced UVA protection
- Those who prefer mineral-only sunscreens
Usage tips
Safety summary
Butyl Anthranilate is generally considered safe for topical use in sunscreens at concentrations up to 5%. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, but its efficacy is moderate compared to newer alternatives.
Research notes
Research on Butyl Anthranilate is limited, but it is recognized as a UVA absorber in older sunscreen formulations. Modern studies focus more on advanced filters with better safety and efficacy profiles.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Up to 5% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in sunscreens in many countries, including the EU and Japan, but less common in the US where it is not among the FDA's approved active sunscreen ingredients.
- Common uses
- Sunscreens, Broad-spectrum SPF products
- Environmental note
- Synthetic UV filters like Butyl Anthranilate may accumulate in water systems; however, its environmental impact is less studied than that of more common filters.
Good to know
- Butyl Anthranilate is sometimes listed under the name 'Butyl o-aminobenzoate' on ingredient labels.
- It is often combined with other UV filters like octocrylene or oxybenzone to achieve broad-spectrum coverage.
Common questions
What is Butyl Anthranilate in beauty products?
Butyl Anthranilate is a man-made ingredient that absorbs UVA rays from the sun, helping to prevent skin damage and premature aging. It is not as common as newer filters like avobenzone, but it can still be found in some sunscreen formulas, usually combined with other sun-protecting ingredients to give broad-spectrum coverage.
What does Butyl Anthranilate do in a beauty product?
When applied to the skin, Butyl Anthranilate absorbs UVA light (320–400 nm) and dissipates the energy as heat, preventing it from penetrating deeper into the skin and causing damage like collagen breakdown or DNA mutations.
Is Butyl Anthranilate safe for most people?
Butyl Anthranilate is generally considered safe for topical use in sunscreens at concentrations up to 5%. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, but its efficacy is moderate compared to newer alternatives.
Who should be careful with Butyl Anthranilate?
Individuals seeking the most advanced UVA protection Those who prefer mineral-only sunscreens
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.