Acetyl Tributyl Citrate
A nail polish plasticizer. It keeps the film flexible and durable and stops the coating from cracking. A safe alternative to phthalates.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (INCI same) is a plasticizer used mainly in nail polish. It makes the lacquer film flexible and durable so the coating does not crack or chip. It serves as a safe replacement for phthalates. On efficacy: this is a purely functional ingredient, not a skincare active. Its value is in the durability and mechanical behavior of the polish. As a DBP substitute it does its job without the problems linked to phthalates. It is applied topically on the nail and is not meaningfully absorbed through it. It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is high: low irritation and allergy potential. In dried polish it is not in active contact with skin, so the safety margin is wide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Acetyl Tributyl Citrate safe during pregnancy?
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Acetyl Tributyl Citrate for?
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Acetyl Tributyl Citrate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A nail polish plasticizer.
What's the INCI name for Acetyl Tributyl Citrate?
The INCI name is Acetyl Tributyl Citrate. It may also appear as: ATBC.
See Acetyl Tributyl Citrate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), Isodecyl Salicylate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
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