Vanillyl Butyl Ether (VBE)

 

Active Ingredient

The effective warming agent for muscle and massage creams. Provides a lasting feeling of warmth on the skin and has a relaxing effect.

INCI
Vanillyl Butyl Ether

Item number
A035

Characteristics

The gentle and more targeted alternative to chili extract!

Vanillyl Butyl Ether is an innovative cosmetic active ingredient known for its pleasantly warming effect on the skin. It belongs to the group of vanilloid derivatives and is often used in care products intended to provide a gentle sensation of warmth. VBE acts directly on the heat receptors in the skin, ensuring only that you feel a warm sensation—the skin does not actually become measurably warmer. Nevertheless, it acts in this way to promote blood circulation and provide relaxation!

Compared to other active ingredients such as capsaicin (e.g., from chili extract), VBE is characterized by a long-lasting, mild, and even warming effect that is perceived as particularly pleasant. It kicks in after a few minutes and lasts for up to an hour, depending on the formulation or the sensitivity of the skin.

For improved effectiveness, it is advisable to use VBE in water-based formulations—that is, in emulsions. Penetration properties are increased if alcohol is also used, but glycols—which are known for their solvent properties—can also have a supporting effect here, e.g., Pentylene Glycol.

The warming effect can also depend on the formulation. For example, thin emulsions or gels work faster and more intensely, whereas emulsions containing consistency agents or waxes work with a delay and over a longer period, as the active ingredient cannot be released from the matrix as quickly.

Properties & Benefits

• provides a slowly developing, soothing feeling of warmth

• has a blood circulation-promoting effect and can support the absorption of other active ingredients

• compared to capsaicin, less irritating and more predictable

• long-lasting effect without a pungent odor or strong skin irritation

• versatile for use in nourishing and activating cosmetic products

Possible Applications

Vanillyl Butyl Ether is preferred in formulations intended to create a warming skin sensation. Typical applications include:

• massage oils and creams

• warming sports and fitness cosmetics

• foot creams for cold feet

• Activating body care products

• scalp products that promote blood circulation

Safety Instructions

• On sensitive skin, it can lead to a more intense feeling of warmth. It is advised to start with lower usage concentrations below 0.5% to assess the effect on your own body before testing higher concentrations.
• Avoid direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes. For external use in cosmetic formulations only!
• Do not apply too frequently in short succession!

TIP:

If the feeling of warmth fades, additional massaging can revive the effect slightly!

Usage Concentration and Processing

• 0.1 - 0.2% for mildly warming scalp or body products
• 0.2 - 0.3% for activating body care products
• 0.4 - 1% for a strong to very strong effect for muscle-relaxing products
• oil-soluble - heat-stable up to 80 degrees, or simply incorporate into the finished, hand-warm emulsion
  
• stronger effect if the end product also contains water, alcohol, or glycols
  

Special features at a glance

• long-lasting warming effect
• for muscle and massage products (e.g., for sore muscles or tension)
• for blood-circulation-promoting products for the body, feet, or scalp
• better tolerated than capsaicin
  
• easy to incorporate