Sensory Essentials
Warming Sensate
Less Irritating Than Capsaicin
Vanillyl Butyl Ether (VBE)
Warming Sensate — Immediate Heat Effect
CAS 82654-98-6 · EINECS 444-010-7 · Vanillyl Butyl Ether · TRPV1 Warming Agent
$58.00
/ 25g · $2.32/g
Select size
Qty
1
0.05–1%
Use level
5 min
Onset
2 hr
Duration
36 mo
Shelf life
About this ingredient
Vanillyl Butyl Ether (VBE) is a warming sensate that delivers an immediate, building heat sensation upon skin contact. It works by stimulating TRPV1 receptors at nerve endings — there is no actual temperature change, only a perceived warming effect. The sensation builds within the first five minutes and lasts up to two hours.
Less irritating than capsaicin or capsicum extract · stable across pH 3–10 · slight vanilla-like odour · soluble in oils and alcohols
INCI & classification
| INCI Name | CAS | EINECS |
|---|---|---|
| Vanillyl Butyl Ether | 82654-98-6 | 444-010-7 |
Core benefits
Immediate warming sensationBuilds within 5 minutes
Lasts up to 2 hoursLess irritating than capsaicin
TRPV1 receptor stimulationSkin penetration enhancer
Synergises with cooling agentsLittle to no odour
Stable pH 3–10Soluble in oils & alcohol
Clear gel compatibleEmulsion compatible
Physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odour | Slight vanilla-like |
| Assay | ≥97% |
| Specific gravity (20/25°) | 1.052–1.072 |
| Refractive index (20°) | 1.511–1.521 |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, organic solvents, mineral & vegetable oils |
| pH stability | Stable pH 3–10 |
| Add below | 40°C |
| Shelf life | 36 months · store at room temperature, dry, away from heat and light |
Mechanism of action
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Receptor target | TRPV1 (vanilloid receptor) at nerve endings |
| Actual skin temperature change | None — purely perceived warming effect |
| Onset | Immediate upon application · builds over first 5 minutes |
| Duration | Up to 2 hours |
| vs Capsaicin | Structurally similar but significantly less irritating |
| Synergistic use | Enhances and extends cooling agents (e.g. menthol) at 0.01–0.05% |
Recommended usage
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Warming sensation — general | 0.05–0.5% |
| Massage creams and oils | 0.05–0.5% |
| Lip balms and treatments | 0.05–0.3% |
| Body lotions and creams | 0.05–0.5% |
| Shaving foams, gels, creams | 0.05–0.5% |
| Synergistic use with cooling agents | 0.01–0.05% |
| Maximum use level | 1.0% |
Formulation tips
- Add to the oil phase or fragrance mix below 40°C — do not add to a hot phase
- At 0.01–0.05% dramatically increases and extends the cooling sensation of menthol and other cooling agents
- Compatible with clear gel systems and emulsions — stable across pH 3–10
- Less irritating than capsaicin — suitable for leave-on and rinse-off formulations
- Can be pre-mixed with fragrance and added directly at temperatures below 40°C
- No actual skin temperature change — works entirely through neuroreceptor stimulation
- Use in combination with cooling agents for unique hot-cold sensory experiences
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
$58.00
/ 25g · $2.32/g
Select size
Qty
1
Immediate warming effect — builds in 5 min, lasts up to 2 hours
Less irritating than capsaicin · stable pH 3–10 · vanilla-like odour
Synergises with cooling agents · 36-month shelf life
Quick specs
INCI nameVanillyl Butyl Ether
CAS82654-98-6
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
OdourSlight vanilla-like
SolubilityOils & alcohol
Use level0.05–1.0%
Add below40°C
Shelf life36 months
Warming Sensate
TRPV1 Active
pH Stable 3–10
Common cosmetic formulation uses
Vanillyl Butyl Ether (INCI: Vanillyl Butyl Ether, CAS 82654-98-6) is a warming sensate that stimulates TRPV1 receptors to create an immediate, building heat sensation lasting up to 2 hours. Less irritating than capsaicin, it is used in massage products, lip balms, body lotions, shaving preparations, and spa treatments at 0.05–1.0%.
- Massage creams and oils — warming sensation (0.05–0.5%)
- Lip balms and treatments
- Body lotions, creams, and spa products
- Shaving foams, gels, and creams
- Skin treatment and cleansing products
- Synergistic with cooling agents — enhances and extends cooling at 0.01–0.05%
- Add below 40°C · stable pH 3–10 · compatible with oils and alcohols
- Less irritating than capsaicin · slight vanilla-like odour
Product FAQ
| What is Vanillyl Butyl Ether used for?Used to create a perceived warming sensation in massage creams, body lotions, lip balms, shaving products, and spa treatments. |
| How does it work?Stimulates TRPV1 receptors at nerve endings to produce a perceived warming effect — no actual skin temperature change. Similar to capsaicin but significantly less irritating. |
| How long does the warming effect last?Immediate upon application, builds within the first 5 minutes, and lasts up to 2 hours. |
| What percentage should be used?0.05–0.5% for warming; up to 1.0% maximum. For synergistic cooling enhancement use 0.01–0.05% alongside menthol or other cooling agents. |
| Can it be used with cooling agents?Yes — at 0.01–0.05%, VBE dramatically increases and extends the cooling sensation of menthol and other cooling agents for unique sensory experiences. |
Formulator note
Note: Add to oil phase or fragrance blend below 40°C. Stable across pH 3–10. Compatible with clear gel and emulsion systems. At 0.01–0.05% dramatically enhances cooling agents — ideal for hot/cold sensory combinations. No actual skin temperature change — purely neuroreceptor-mediated.
