Ingredient review
Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate
INCI: TRANS-2-HEXENYL BUTYRATE
A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a green, fruity scent but offers no skin benefit beyond fragrance.
In plain English
Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate is a man-made ingredient that smells like fresh green leaves or unripe fruit. It is added to products solely for scent, not to improve your skin. If you are sensitive to fragrances, you may want to avoid it.
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
Trans-2-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 Trans-2-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
A synthetic ester formed from trans-2-hexenol and butyric acid, used in cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient.
How it works
It evaporates from the skin's surface, releasing a green, fruity aroma that provides a pleasant sensory experience. It does not actively interact with the skin barrier or deliver any functional skincare benefit.
Pros
Pleasant scent
Adds a natural-smelling green, fruity note that many people find appealing in lotions and perfumes.
Low irritation potential
At typical use levels, it is considered to have a low risk of skin irritation for most people.
Cons and cautions
No skin benefit
This ingredient is purely for fragrance and does not moisturize, protect, or improve the skin in any way.
Potential allergen
Like many fragrance ingredients, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially with repeated use.
Best for
- Those who enjoy scented skincare and have no fragrance sensitivities
- Users looking for a fresh, green scent profile
Use caution if
- Anyone with known fragrance allergies or sensitive, reactive skin
Usage tips
Safety summary
Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations. However, like all fragrance ingredients, it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
Research notes
Research primarily focuses on its sensory properties and safety as a fragrance ingredient. It is not associated with significant toxicity or irritation at typical cosmetic use levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low levels (under 1%) in finished products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets, subject to concentration limits and labeling requirements for allergens.
- Common uses
- Fragranced skincare, Body lotions, Perfumes, Hair care
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic compound, its environmental impact depends on manufacturing practices and biodegradability; it is not known to be persistent in the environment.
Good to know
- Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate is often listed simply as 'Fragrance' or 'Parfum' on labels, so you may not see it by name.
- It is considered safe for use in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies when used within recommended limits.
Common questions
What is Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate in beauty products?
Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate is a man-made ingredient that smells like fresh green leaves or unripe fruit. It is added to products solely for scent, not to improve your skin. If you are sensitive to fragrances, you may want to avoid it.
What does Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate do in a beauty product?
It evaporates from the skin's surface, releasing a green, fruity aroma that provides a pleasant sensory experience. It does not actively interact with the skin barrier or deliver any functional skincare benefit.
Is Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate safe for most people?
Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations. However, like all fragrance ingredients, it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
Who should be careful with Trans-2-Hexenyl Butyrate?
Anyone 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.