C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Lightweight Ester Emollient for Cosmetic Formulations
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an oil soluble ester widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations to improve skin feel and enhance spreadability. It helps reduce the heavy or greasy feel often associated with oils and butters while leaving a smooth, refined finish on the skin.
It is formed from benzoic acid and C12 to C15 alcohols and functions primarily as an emollient and skin feel modifier. In formulations, it improves slip, reduces tackiness, and helps balance the sensory profile of both emulsions and anhydrous systems. It also functions as a solvent for oil soluble ingredients such as fragrance components, pigments, and certain UV filters, which makes it commonly used in sunscreens and decorative cosmetics.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients and is used across skincare, color cosmetics, and personal care applications.
Key Features and Benefits
• Improves skin feel and formulation elegance
• Helps reduce greasy or heavy sensory profiles
• Enhances spreadability and slip
• Functions as a solvent for oil soluble ingredients
• Suitable for emulsions and anhydrous systems
• Used in leave on and rinse off products
Common Applications
• Facial and body lotions
• Creams and emulsions
• Sunscreen formulations
• Foundations and decorative cosmetics
• Body oils and oil based serums
• Balms and other anhydrous products
Ingredients and INCI
INCI Name: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
CAS Number: 68411-27-8
Appearance and Properties
Appearance: Colorless liquid with very mild to no odor
Solubility: Oil soluble
Required HLB: 13
Usage Rate
Typical usage rate: 0.5 percent to 15 percent
Usage level should be determined by the formulator based on product type and desired skin feel.
Formulation Notes
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is typically incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions or blended directly into anhydrous systems. It may be used alone or combined with other emollients to adjust slip, spreadability, and after feel.
Storage and Handling
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
Important Note
This raw material is intended for external cosmetic formulation use only. Finished products should be evaluated by the formulator for stability, compatibility, and safety.
Ingredient Comparison
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate compared to caprylic capric triglycerides
Caprylic capric triglycerides are commonly used to add softness and emolliency to formulations and may contribute a richer skin feel at higher levels. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is often selected when a lighter sensory profile and improved spreadability are desired, particularly in formulations where reduced oiliness is important.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate compared to isopropyl myristate
Isopropyl myristate provides fast slip but can feel overly slick in some formulations. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate offers a more controlled skin feel and is commonly used when balance between slip and formulation elegance is needed.
