What it is
Dibutyl adipate is the dibutyl ester of adipic acid, a clear, colorless, nearly odorless oily liquid with the formula C14H26O4. In cosmetics it acts as an emollient that leaves skin feeling smooth and as a solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients. In sunscreens it is particularly valued because it can help solubilize UV filters, which is useful given that many sun filters are difficult to dissolve. It also conditions skin, can form a light film, acts as a plasticizer, and improves how easily a formula spreads.