Dibutyl Adipate is the diester of butyl alcohol and adipic acid.  It’s described as a clear, colorless and odorless ingredient with an oily feel.  In cosmetics and personal care products, Dibutyl Adipate is used in nail polish and skin care products.

In skin care

Dibutyl Adipate can work as an emollient, solvent for UV filters, and film-forming agent. It has a smooth, lubricating feel on skin that enhances spreadability, one reason it's a popular addition to many sunscreen formulas.

Dibutyl Adipate softens synthetic polymers by reducing brittleness and cracking. It also acts as lubricant on the skin surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance, and as a solvent that is used to dissolve other substances.

Usage levels of dibutyl adipate in cosmetics range from 0.005–8%, depending on formulary and aesthetic needs. Dibutyl adipate is considered safe as currently used in cosmetics.