dibutyl adipate
what it is
A light liquid ester of adipic acid and butyl alcohol — INCI name Dibutyl Adipate. One thing to clear up immediately: the name looks like dibutyl phthalate, but adipates are not phthalates. Different acid, different chemical family, different safety record.
why we use it
It is one of the better solvents available for sunscreen systems and helps our zinc oxide dispersion stay fluid and spreadable. It forms a flexible, even film and dries down without greasiness, which keeps a high-mineral formula wearable every day — and the only sunscreen that works is the one you actually apply.
where you'll find it
In our mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++), in the lightweight emollients group (30.00% total). Per-ingredient percentages within the sunscreen groups are not yet published; the group totals are exact.
evidence
Functional rather than biological — its solvency and spreading behaviour are well documented in sunscreen formulation literature and verified in our own SPF testing.
safety
Assessed as safe in cosmetic use by European safety reviews and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel. It is not a phthalate and does not share phthalate concerns.