Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, commonly abbreviated as IPBC, is a synthetic carbamate-based antimicrobial ingredient used primarily as a preservative. Its INCI name is IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE, while its chemical identity is 3-Iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate. It is particularly recognized for antifungal and preservative activity and is used in selected cosmetic and personal-care formulations as well as in several non-cosmetic formulated products. COSMILE Europe identifies IPBC as a cosmetic preservative and notes its occurrence particularly in preserved rinse-off products.
IPBC is relevant to formulations in which control of fungal and microbial growth is important. Because preservative requirements depend on the finished formulation, product category and target market, the technical grade and permitted finished-product concentration must always be considered together.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate has CAS Number 55406-53-6 and EC Number 259-627-5. PubChem identifies the molecular formula as C₈H₁₂INO₂ and molecular weight as 281.09 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is 3-iodoprop-2-ynyl N-butylcarbamate.
IPBC is an organoiodine carbamate and is commonly supplied as a crystalline solid. Technical-grade regulatory data describe IPBC as a yellowish crystalline powder with a melting point of 65.8–66.5°C, while other commercial references report melting ranges around 64–68°C. These values are consistent with the physical behaviour expected for the neat crystalline ingredient, but the exact specification should be confirmed against the actual commercial grade.
The primary cosmetic function of Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is preservation. It helps protect susceptible formulations from microbial spoilage and is particularly valued for antifungal activity. COSMILE Europe identifies IPBC specifically as a preservative and notes its use in various preserved cosmetics, especially rinse-off products, while excluding certain categories such as lip and oral-care applications.
IPBC is a low-use-level preservative, meaning that effective formulation concentrations can be substantially lower than those used for some conventional bulk preservation systems. Its suitability depends on factors including formulation composition, pH, water activity, packaging, compatibility with other ingredients and the overall preservation strategy.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate has been used in selected shampoos, rinse-off personal-care products and other preserved cosmetic formulations where antifungal protection is required. Beyond cosmetics, IPBC is also used in coatings, paints, adhesives, wood preservatives, water-based inks and other formulated systems requiring protection against fungal deterioration.
For cosmetics marketed in the European Union, IPBC is specifically listed as a permitted preservative under Annex V, entry 56 of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. The current regulatory entry sets maximum concentrations of 0.02% for rinse-off products, 0.01% for leave-on products, and 0.0075% for deodorants/antiperspirants. It also contains restrictions covering oral and lip products and specific products intended for children under three years of age.
When Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is selected for a cosmetic formulation, the active concentration of the supplied ingredient should not be confused with the maximum permitted concentration in the finished cosmetic. Commercial IPBC grades may be supplied as neat crystalline material or incorporated into blended preservative systems.
Formulators should evaluate the actual material specification, purity, particle/physical characteristics, compatibility, processing conditions and microbiological performance. The IPBC concentration should then be calculated against the applicable finished-product regulatory limit for the target market.
Safety and regulatory assessment is particularly important because IPBC has documented sensitisation considerations. COSMILE Europe identifies its use primarily in specific preserved cosmetic categories, while the EU Annex V entry defines detailed application restrictions.
As an Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop can position IPBC for B2B cosmetic and personal-care raw-material requirements, subject to the actual commercial grade, product specification and regulatory suitability.
Customers searching for an Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate supplier in India should evaluate identity, purity, analytical method, physical characteristics and batch-specific documentation before selecting a material. For bulk cosmetic ingredient supply, the selected grade should be matched with the intended formulation and destination-market regulations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 99.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.1% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 4.5–6.5 |
| Melting Point | 64–68°C |