Soothing

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Synthetic ester emollient — long-chain alcohol benzoate. Provides a characteristic "dry" glide and light skin coverage without greasiness. Solvent for UVA/UVB filters and oil-soluble actives. One of the most popular modern emollients in sunscreens and BB creams.

dry-touchBenzoate esterSolvent for filtersGlide

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate — a class of ester emollients where benzoic acid is connected to branched C12–C15 alcohols (isotridecyl benzoate, isopentadecyl benzoate). Liquid at room temperature. INCI: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate. Very low viscosity — excellent spreading. Key properties: 1) Dry-touch emolliency — a feeling of cleanliness and freshness after application. 2) Excellent solvent for chemical UV filters (DHHB, BEMT, octinoxate, ethylhexyl triazone). 3) Well compatible with silicones and other hydrocarbon emollients. Stable to hydrolysis and oxidation.

Sunscreens (solvent for UV filters), BB creams and CC creams, makeup primers, light day fluids — products with an emphasis on light texture and dry feel.

Key Benefits

✦

Optimal solvent for broad-spectrum UV filters

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate — standard solvent for organic UV filters in sunscreens: well dissolves DHHB, Tinosorb S, octinoxate, and ethylhexyl triazone to maximum concentration. Compared to plant oils — does not compete with filters for dissolution, providing a clean oil phase for the UV system. Result: stable, effective SPF formula.

◈

Dry-touch glide — no greasy residue

When applied, C12-15 alkyl benzoate provides a feeling of glide and lightness, but after spreading leaves a minimal greasy layer. Unlike plant oils and mineral oil, it does not give a "shiny" or "oily" finish. Perfectly combines with silicones (caprylyl methicone, dimethicone) to enhance the dry-touch effect.

✧

Stability and compatibility with actives

The ester bond of C12-15 alkyl benzoate — resistant to hydrolysis (especially at neutral and slightly acidic pH), chemically inert to most actives. Does not react with acids, alkalis, peptides. Stability throughout the product's shelf life without the use of antioxidants to protect the base.

Suitable for

Oily skinCombination skinSPF products

Main Actions

✓ Dry-touch emolliency✓ Dissolution of UV filters✓ Light texture

Benzoate esters — safety

Some C12-15 alkyl benzoate products contain benzyl ester (from primary alcohol) — can only be distinguished from isoalkyl esters by the manufacturer's specification. Standard C12-15 alkyl benzoate (isoalkyl) — safe according to SCCS (EU) and CIR (US) conclusions. The only real risk: for acne-prone skin — some benzoate esters have moderate comedogenic potential. For problematic skin, it is better to check the reaction.

CategorySoothing Ingredients

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