C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight, dry-feel ester used as an emollient in skincare, suncare, and haircare.

It is one of the most useful modern emollients in cosmetics.

It gives formulas a silky, non-greasy finish and improves the spreadability of oils and UV filters.

🔹 Key Benefits

✔ Super lightweight & non-greasy

Gives a dry, silky skin feel → ideal for:

• Sunscreens
• Lotions
• Serums
• Makeup

✔ Excellent solubilizer for UV filters

Helps dissolve:

• Avobenzone
• Homosalate
• Octocrylene
• Octinoxate
• And improves dispersion of ZnO & TiO₂
• This is why it is in most SPF products.

✔ Reduces greasiness of heavy oils

Softens the feel of:

• Mineral oil
• Castor oil
• Coconut oil
• Shea and cocoa butter

✔ Improves pigment dispersion

Useful in:

• Foundations
• Tinted moisturizers
• BB creams
• Lip products

✔ Enhances slip & spreadability

Creates a smooth, elegant glide.

🔹 Solubility & Compatibility

Solubility

• Oil-soluble
• Not water-soluble
• Excellent with silicones & esters

Compatible with

• Emollients
• Waxes
• Silicones
• UV filters
• Pigments
• Plant oils
• Mineral oils

🔹 Common Uses in Formulations

• Skin Care
• Lotions & creams
• Sunscreens
• Serums
• Cleansers
• Body creams
• Baby products
• Makeup
• Foundations
• Concealers
• Lipsticks
• Primers
• Hair Care
• Anti-frizz products
• Heat protectants
• Shine sprays (lightweight)

🔹 Formulation Guidelines

Typical Use Levels

• 1–5% in light lotions
• 5–15% in sunscreens
• 10–30% in makeup (foundations, primers)

Skin Feel

• Fast-absorbing
• “Dry-touch”
• Silky
• Reduces tackiness from glycerin or heavy oils
• Improves Zinc Oxide & Mineral Sunscreen Flow
• Helps reduce drag
• Enhances spreadability

🔹 Safety & Stability

✔ Non-comedogenic
✔ Non-irritating
✔ Very stable (oxidation-resistant)
✔ Approved worldwide