C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

INCI Name

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Botanical Name

None (synthetic ester)

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a synthetic ester that functions as a lightweight emollient and solubilizer. It reduces greasiness, enhances spreadability, and improves the sensory profile of sunscreens and skincare products. Considered safe and well tolerated across skin types, including oily and combination.

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Primary Function
Emollient
Add'l Function
Solubilizer
Scent Profile
Odorless
Is It Natural?
Synthetic
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

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Skin Type Suitability

All
Oily
Combination
Baby/Child Safe
Considered Safe for Babies
Considered Safe for Teens
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Typical Product Use

Emollient, solubilizer, texture enhancer

Product Type(s):

Sunscreen
Lotion
Cream
Serum

Typical Usage Range:

2–10% (commonly); higher in sunscreens

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Supportive Qualities

Provides lightweight feel, reduces greasiness, improves spreadability

Primary Components:

Alkyl benzoates (esters of benzoic acid and C12-15 alcohols)

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Important to Know

Rare irritation possible in sensitive skin

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Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Esterification of benzoic acid with C12–C15 fatty alcohols

Ensure cosmetic-grade quality; used in sunscreens and skincare

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More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.