Ingredient review
Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate
INCI: CIS-3-HEXENYL BUTYRATE
A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fresh, green scent to products; generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.
In plain English
Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate is a man-made ingredient that smells like fresh-cut grass or green leaves. It is added to skincare and beauty products purely for its pleasant, natural-like scent. It does not moisturize, treat, or improve the skin in any way. Because it is a fragrance ingredient, it can be a potential irritant for people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, though at the tiny amounts used in products, the risk is low for most people.
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
Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate 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 Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate.
- 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
Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate is a synthetic ester created by combining cis-3-hexenol (a natural compound found in green leaves) with butyric acid. It is a colorless liquid with a strong, fresh, green, and slightly fruity odor, often used to recreate the scent of freshly cut grass or green tea in cosmetic formulations.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate functions solely as a fragrance ingredient. It evaporates from the skin's surface, releasing its scent molecules into the air. It does not interact with the skin's biology or provide any functional benefit like hydration, protection, or exfoliation. Its role is purely sensory, contributing to the product's overall fragrance profile.
Pros
Pleasant natural scent
Adds a fresh, green, leafy aroma that many people find appealing and reminiscent of nature.
Low irritation for most
At the very low concentrations used in cosmetics, it is generally non-irritating for the majority of skin types.
Cons and cautions
No skincare benefit
This ingredient does not hydrate, soothe, or improve skin health in any way; its only purpose is to add fragrance.
Potential allergen
As a fragrance ingredient, it can trigger allergic reactions or irritation in people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Best for
- People who enjoy fresh, green-scented products
- Those without fragrance sensitivities
Use caution if
- Individuals with known fragrance allergies or sensitive, reactive skin
Usage tips
Safety summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is its potential as a skin allergen for sensitive individuals, which is common to all fragrance ingredients.
Research notes
Research on Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate primarily focuses on its sensory properties and safety as a fragrance material. It has been evaluated by fragrance safety panels and is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low levels (under 1%) due to its strong scent.
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. Subject to standard fragrance allergen labeling requirements in the EU.
- Common uses
- Fragranced skincare, Body lotions, Cleansers, Perfumes
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic ester, it is produced through chemical synthesis. Its environmental impact is considered low due to the small quantities used in products.
Good to know
- Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate is often used to create 'green tea' or 'fresh leaf' accords in perfumery.
- It is a common ingredient in 'fresh' or 'natural' scented products, but it is still a synthetic compound.
Common questions
What is Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate in beauty products?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate is a man-made ingredient that smells like fresh-cut grass or green leaves. It is added to skincare and beauty products purely for its pleasant, natural-like scent. It does not moisturize, treat, or improve the skin in any way. Because it is a fragrance ingredient, it can be a potential irritant for people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, though at the tiny amounts used in products, the risk is low for most people.
What does Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate functions solely as a fragrance ingredient. It evaporates from the skin's surface, releasing its scent molecules into the air. It does not interact with the skin's biology or provide any functional benefit like hydration, protection, or exfoliation. Its role is purely sensory, contributing to the product's overall fragrance profile.
Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate safe for most people?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is its potential as a skin allergen for sensitive individuals, which is common to all fragrance ingredients.
Who should be careful with Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate?
Individuals with known fragrance allergies or sensitive, reactive skin
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.