Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
AKA “CAB, Cellulose acetate butyrate resin”
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Cellulose acetate butyrate
AKA: CAB, Cellulose acetate butyrate resin
Ingredient · Film Forming · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Occlusive
Clean
Cellulose, acetates, butanoates
CAS #
9004-36-8
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Creates Protective Barrier
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Developed in the early 20th century as a semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose. Used in cosmetics since the 1930s as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer in nail polishes, mascaras, and hair products.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR