Isobutyl Methacrylate
AKA “97-86-9, Methacrylic acid, isobutyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-methylpropyl ester, Isobutyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate, 2-METHYLPROPYL METHACRYLATE, Isobutyl alpha-methacrylate, Isobutyl alpha-methylacrylate, Isobutylester kyseliny methakrylove, DTXSID3025461
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Isobutyl methacrylate
AKA: 97-86-9, Methacrylic acid, Isobutyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-methylpropyl ester, Isobutyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate, 2-METHYLPROPYL METHACRYLATE, Isobutyl alpha-methacrylate, Isobutyl alpha-methylacrylate, Isobutylester kyseliny methakrylove, DTXSID3025461
Ingredient · Film Forming · EWG: 5
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
2-Propenoic Acid, 2- Methyl-, 2-Methylpropyl Ester
Solubility Insoluble (<1mg/ml) (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C8H14O2
Mol. Weight
142.20
CAS #
97-86-9
Form
Powder
State
Isobutyl methacrylate is a colorless liquid with a flash point of 120 °F. When heated to high temperatures it may release acrid smoke and fumes. If it is subjected to heat for prolonged periods or bec
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
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic monomer developed for polymerization in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics as a film-forming ingredient in nail polishes and other decorative products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of 2-Methyl-5-Hydroxyethylaminophenol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methacrylic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
2-Methyl-5-Hydroxyethylaminophenol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C8-22 Alkyl Acrylates/Methacrylic Acid Crosspolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Isobutyl Methacrylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Methacrylic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Methacrylic Acid/Styrene/VP Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG/PPG-5/2 Methacrylate/Methacrylic Acid Crosspolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyisobutyl Methacrylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
2-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Propanol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
2-Methyl-5-Hydroxyethylaminophenol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C8-22 Alkyl Acrylates/Methacrylic Acid Crosspolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Isobutyl Methacrylate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Methacrylic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
2-Methyl-m-phenylenediamine
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Methacrylic acid
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR