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C12-15 Alkyl Benozate is a mixture of benzoic acid esters that consist of benzoic acid and alcohols that have carbon chain lengths from 12 to 15.
Other long-chain alkyl benzoate ingredients that may be used in cosmetics and personal care products include C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Stearyl Benzoate, Isostearyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Benzoate and Octyldodecyl Benzoate.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and the other long-chain alkyl benzoate ingredients may be used in a wide variety of cosmetic products including baby products, bath products, eye makeup, lipstick, shaving products, suntan products, as well as hair care, nail care and skincare products.
CAS NO: 68411-27-8
EC NUMBER: 270-112-4
IUPAC NAMES:
Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters
Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl esters
Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl esters
C12 C15 alkyl benzoate
C12-C15 alkyl benzoate
C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate
Esterification product of alcohols, C12-15 (linear and branched) and benzoic acid
SYNONYMS:
benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters;benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl esters;C12-15 alkyl benzoate;crodamol AB;ALKYL BENZOATE;Lauryl Benzoate;Einecs 270-112-4;C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE;Dodecyl/pentadecyl benzoate;Alkyl (C12-15) benzoate [usan];Benzoesure, Alkyl(C12-C15)ester;Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl ester;Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl esters;benzoic acid,c12-c15 alkyl esters;Dodecyl benzoate;Benzoic acid, dodecyl ester;Alkyl (C12-15) benzoate;Benzoic acid dodecyl ester;UNII-N4F51K239A;68411-27-8;Lauryl benzoate;N4F51K239A;Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl esters;C12-15 Alkyl benzoate;EINECS 220-837-7;EINECS 270-112-4;Alkyl (C12-15) Benzoate [USAN];EC 270-112-4;C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate;SCHEMBL526616;CHEMBL472518;DTXSID1062706;Alkyl (C12-15) benzoate [NF];Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl ester;Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters;MFCD07787440;ZINC44418292;AKOS015965336;AC-20375;AS-58966;Benzoic acid, dodecyl ester;Lauryl benzoate;Alkyl (C12-15) benzoate;Benzoic acid dodecyl ester;Alkyl (C12-15) Benzoate [USAN];C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate;Benzoic acid dodecyl ester;Alkyl (C12-15) benzoate [NF];Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl ester;Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters;ALKYL BENZOATE; Lauryl Benzoate; Einecs 270-112-4; C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE; Dodecyl/pentadactyl benzoate; Alkyl (C12-15) benzoate [usan]; Benzoesure, Alkyl(C12-C15)ester; Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl ester; Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl esters; benzoic acid,c12-c15 alkyl esters; Alkyl (C12-15) benzoate; Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters; C12-15 alcohol benzoate; C12-15 alcohols benzoate; Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl esters;;Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters;Benzoesure, Alkyl(C12-C15)ester;benzoic acid,c12-c15 alkyl esters;C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE;Dodecyl/pentadecyl benzoate;Alkyl (C12-15) benzoate [usan]
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is the ester of benzoic acid and C12-15 Alcohols. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient ester of low viscosity; non-comedogenic, with a light, non-greasy feel.
C12-15 alkyl Benzoate is a mixture of benzoic acid esters that consist of benzoic acid and alcohols that have carbon chain lengths from 12 to 15.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is high quality ultrafine emollient monoester, developed especially for personal care and pharmaceutical applications.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is Exceptionally light, nongreasy emollient.C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate excellent solvent and solubilizer, glossing agent, binder and wetting agent for pressed powders. Reduces whitening effect in antiperspirants. Skincare products, sunscreens, antiperspirants, deodorants, clear gels, hair styling aids, conditioners and conditioning shampoos.
Mainly used as an emollient and thickening agent. Many cosmetic products contain this ingredient because it provides light conditioning and silky aftertouch to the skin and hair. It's also been shown to act as an antimicrobial agent and a preservative, particularly in products containing UV absorbers. You may find this ingredient in a variety of cosmetics such as sunscreen, facial moisturizer, anti-ageing treatments, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, self-tanner, eye cream, foundation and deodorant.
C12-C15 alkyl benzoate is composed of benzoic acid and long-chain alcohol (12-15) and is used in many cosmetic products for its emollient and lubricating properties. It also reduces the perception of oil on the skin and increases the spreadability.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is the benzoic ester of C12-15 primary fatty alcohols. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a multifunctional emollient with a very light touch.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is also an excellent solvent for sunscreen filters.
C12–15 Alkyl Benzoate is a highly spreading agent widely used in cosmetic formulations.
Applications: Sunscreen creams & lotions, lipogels, skincare products, lipsticks & eye pencils, oil-free lotions & creams, body & massage oils, body oil, hair lacquer, hair conditioners, cleansing lotions, shaving products
The increasing use of emollient esters in personal care products has triggered the growth of these esters. These esters have emerged as a better alternative for oil-based emollients as their sensorial feel gives them an edge over sticky oil-based emollient products.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a low-molecular-weight ester of benzoic acid and C12-15 alcohols. Clear liquid, practically odourless.
Benefits:
Versatile emollient ester suitable for use in skincare, sun care and colour cosmetics
Can be used to improve feel, softness and many other textural aspects
Offers excellent emolliency with added pigment-dispersing capabilities
Can be used as an effective solvent for sunscreens
Use: Can be added to formulas as is, add to the oil phase. Typical use level 1-30%. For external use only.
Applications: Lotions, creams, sun products, colour cosmetics.
Description
C12-15 Alkyl benzoate is used in a wide range of applications for personal care formulation due to its very good proprieties as emollient, solubilizer and lubricant.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is mainly used as an emollient and thickening agent. Many cosmetic products contain this ingredient because it provides a light conditioning and silky aftertouch to the skin and hair.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a liquid, oil-soluble emollient used to give a silky smooth after-feel to your products.
Not only does it help improve the feel of the product, but C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate also helps reduce the ‘greasy’ feeling of products with a high percentage of oil in them.
Categories:
Texture Enhancer, Emollients
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a Synthetic ingredient used as an emollient and texture enhancing agent in cosmetics. This common ingredient is soluble in oil and oil-like ingredients and can impart a light conditioning, silky finish to products. Its excellent solubility is one of the main reasons it’s used in so many sunscreens, as it helps keep the active ingredients dispersed throughout the formula.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a naturally occurring ester of benzoic acid and is created from a reaction of Benzoic Acid and C12-15 Alcohols. Benzoic acid is a white crystalline acid found naturally in benzoin, cranberries, and coconut oil. Animal fat, vegetable oils and butter are all esters with the biggest difference being the melting point of the mixture of esters.
This oil-soluble light emollient is suitable for use in a variety of products, including shampoos, body wash and body oils, and can help lotions and creams feel less greasy. C12-15 alkyl benzoate is an incredible emollient, which helps to soften and smooth the skin. This common ingredient is soluble in oil and oil-like ingredients and can impart a light conditioning, silky finish to products.
USES FOR ALKYL BENZOATE C12-15 INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):
Face creams
Body Washes
Facial moisturisers
Cleansers
Lip Gloss
Benefits
Free of halogenated compounds.
Excellent emolliency with added pigment-dispersing capabilities.
In sunscreen formulations, it can be used as an effective solvent.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is an emollient ester with a dry yet lubricous feel that is readily absorbed and imparts good gloss.
Additional properties of C12-15 alkyl benzoate include solvency for sunscreens, extension and fixation of fragrance, tactile modification and binding for pressed powders.
Key Benefits
-Dry and Light Feel
-Solvent for Sunscreens
-Extension of Fragrances
Applications:
Baby Care, Skin Care, Hair Care, Sun Care
Functions: Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is useful to reduce the greasiness of lotion bars, whipped butter and emulsions.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is resistant to oxidation.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a Lipophilic emollient for cosmetic formulations
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight oil-soluble ester with a beautiful dry skin feel. It is made from benzoic acid and C12–15 alcohols.
What is C12-15 Alkyl benzoate?
C12-15 Alkyl benzoate is chemically an ester of benzoic acid with C12-15 chain alcohol. C12-15 Alkyl benzoate falls into the low-molecular-weight range. C12-15 Alkyl benzoate is a clear and odourless liquid. It can be added to formulas in the oil phase.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate adds dry-touch emolliency and improves pigment dispersion in our products, making it a great choice for colour cosmetics. Its light, dry touch also makes it a great base for body oils and other anhydrous products we’d like to have a light, dry finish (it is similar to isopropyl myristate in this way).
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate aka Alkyl Esters is a plant-derived, emollient ester that gives final products that silky and conditioning after-feel.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate possesses foam boosting and viscosity-enhancing properties.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is commonly used in hair care, skincare and sensitive skin formulas as a thickening agent and helps reduce the greasiness of emulsions, lotion bars and whipped butter.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, comes in a clear, almost odourless and slightly sticky liquid that is oil soluble.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate can also be used as a solvent for sunscreens. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is popular as a silicone replacement and as a solubilizer (helps other ingredients to blend with the emulsion).
The Emollient
Best in class C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate combine exceptional functionality with a light, non-greasy feel. With over ten products to choose from, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is the ingredient of choice for mild but highly emollient and stable formulations.
Best in the class ingredient
Exceptional functionality in mild, stable formulations. Excellent wetting properties for high pigment loading. Good solubilizer of sunscreens and other actives. Improves transparency in AP/DO applications
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a good solvent for actives with a light dry feel. This product improves transparency in AP/DO applications.
It is recommended for those instances where even a slight background odour from formulation ingredients conflicts with the desired characteristics of the final fragrance.
It confers a dry, talc-like feel, is extremely mild to skin and eyes, spreads easily (high spreading coefficient), and is a valuable solvent for many cosmetic ingredients, including sunscreens.
It also has antimicrobial properties and so can be used as a perseverative
It is able to improve pigment dispersion which is very useful in colour cosmetics. It is used in Suncare, skincare, and colour cosmetics.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an Antimicrobial, Skincare, Emollient which means that this product will soften and smooth the skin, improving the penetration of active ingredients. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is also used to reduce bacterial overgrowth in cosmetics.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a mixture of benzoic acid esters that are used in a wide variety of cosmetic products.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a clear, oil-soluble, low viscosity emollient that, when used in personal care products, provides light conditioning and silky after-feel to the skin.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is particularly suitable for SPF and cosmetic applications for its ability to disperse UV filters and pigments.
As one of the basic foundations of many personal care products, esters such as standard-grade C12-15 alkyl benzoate are a must-have for creating sustainable beauty solutions.
Because C12-15 alkyl benzoate comprises long-chain alcohols.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate functions as an occlusive agent and lubricant.
As a lubricant, C12-15 alkyl benzoate naturally reduces friction from clothing and other items rubbing against the skin.
Further, as an occlusive agent, C12-15 alkyl benzoate forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface to keep water trapped in the skin longer.
C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE FOR COSMETICS
Most types of cosmetics you’ll find on the shelves can be made with C12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Its popularity comes with good reason the ingredient functions as an all-in-one emollient, thickening agent, preservative and antimicrobial solution.
Its texture-enhancing properties also make cosmetics products feel light and smooth against the skin without becoming overly greasy.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate’s thickening properties and antimicrobial qualities make it ideal for use in cosmetics products such as:
Lipstick
Foundation
Eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara and other eye makeup
Tinted moisturizers
Nail care products
Colour cosmetics
Out of every ester used for personal care applications, C12-15 alkyl benzoate is the silkiest.
Most consumers love the feeling of smooth, silky lotions and creams on the skin, which makes it a favourite ingredient among personal care product manufacturers.
The product is particularly useful in salves intended to heal dry skin and goods made for sensitive skin.
When combined with other skincare ingredients, C12-15 alkyl benzoate’s emollient properties make greasier substances feel less oily for a more enjoyable and effective result.
These properties are ideal for use in sunscreens and other skincare solutions that often leave the skin feeling greasy.
Because of these abilities to lubricate and emulsify, C12-15 alkyl benzoate is commonly found in personal care products such as:
Sunscreens
Skin lotions, creams and gels
Products designed to ease psoriasis or eczema
Perfumes and colognes
Baby products
Anti-ageing solutions
Shaving creams
Hair products
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient ester that provides a dry, silky feel to the skin.
C12/15 Alkyl Benzoate is considered a good choice for facial skin care products as it is regarded as being non-comedogenic.
As an emollient C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate will help moisturise the skin.
C12/15 Alkyl Benzoate will also help reduce the greasiness of creams and lotions that feature plant oils and improve the spread-ability of the cream.
Antimicrobial Agent
Antimicrobial
Emollient
Skin Conditioning Agent
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a synthetic ingredient that is used as an emollient and texture enhancing agent in cosmetic products.
Product Description
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a synthetic ingredient that is used as an emollient and texture enhancing agent in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products.
Origin
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a low molecular weight ester of benzoic acid and long chain alcohols.
Benzoic acid is a natural ingredient that can be obtained from several types of fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, prunes, plums, cinnamon, ripe cloves, and apples.
The “C12-15” in the ingredient name indicates that the alcohols have carbon chain lengths from 12 to 15.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a clear, oil-soluble, low viscosity liquid.
Function
In cosmetics and personal care products, C12-15 alkyl benzoate functions as an emollient, texture enhancer, and antimicrobial agent.
It is used in a wide variety of products, such as sunscreens, baby products, bath products, antiperspirants and deodorants, eye makeup, lipstick, foundations and tinted moisturizers, shaving products, hair styling products, and more.
As an emollient, C12-15 alkyl benzoate helps to keep the skin moist and supple by reducing water loss from the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). Emollients act as lubricants and occlusive agents.
A lubricant reduces friction when anything rubs against the skin, while an occlusive agent forms a protective, invisible film on the surface of the skin that helps to slow down water loss.
These functions allow C12-15 alkyl benzoate to keep the skin moisturized and also help the skin to repair.
While all skin types can benefit from emollients like C12-15 alkyl benzoate, emollients are very beneficial for those who have dry, rough and/or flaky skin.
Emollients can treat these symptoms, leaving the skin looking and feeling soft and smooth.
In addition, emollients can benefit those that suffer from conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or other inflammatory skin condition.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate can also be classified as a texture enhancer.
It imparts a soft and velvety feel to the skin and has excellent spreadability.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate also functions as an effective thickener when added to gels, creams, and lotions.
It is added to pressed powders because of its ability to bind other ingredients together.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate has excellent solubility in oil and is often used in sunscreens because it helps keep the active ingredients dispersed throughout the formula. Lastly, C12-15 alkyl benzoate can be used for the extension and fixation of fragrance.
It is also claimed that C12-15 alkyl benzoate has antimicrobial properties, however, there is limited data on which microorganisms this ingredient is effective against.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Usage
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate can be used as pharmaceutic aid (vehicle, oleaginous); pharmaceutic aid (emollient).
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is very easy to emulsify, can be widely used in various creams, sunscreens and lotions, and can also be used in hair conditioner conditioning shampoos. It can synergize with cationic active agents and enhance conditioning.
Function: Emollient, lubricant, wetting agent, solubilizer,anti-tack agent, conditioning, gloss agent.
Application: Sunscreens, foundations, decorative cosmetics, hair care, hand and foot care, lotion and cream.
C12-15 Alkyl-Benzoate:
Aside from being a skin conditioner, C12-15 Alkyl benzoate has excellent dispersion properties allowing the even distribution of sun protection ingredients through SPF formulations.
Category: Non-ionic surfactant
Ester
Fatty Alcohol Ester
Monohydric Alcohol Monoprotic Acid Ester
Linear Alkanol Aromatic Acid Ester
Major Uses
Typical application
Use as a lubricant.
Use as a dispersing agent, emulsion stabilizer.
Use as solvent.
Personal care products
Conditioning agent, emollient, antimicrobial agent in personal care products. Especially suitable for sunscreen products.
Used in modern skincare applications and suncare. Acts as a traditional emollient. Possesses solubilizing capacities for crystalline UV filters and dispersing properties for pigments.
Origin: A natural ingredient that can be obtained from several types of fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, prunes, plums, cinnamon, ripe cloves, and apples.
Also Known As Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl ester
Overview: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an oil-free emollient and wetting agent. It is a low-molecular-weight ester of benzoic acid and C12-15 alcohols. It can be used to improve the texture of products including their feel and softness. It improves the emolliency of formulations while aiding in dispersing the pigment. It can also be used as an effective solvent for sunscreens.
Suggested Uses:
-Lotions
-Creams
-Sun products
-Colour cosmetics
-Baby products
-Bath products
-Antiperspirants and deodorants
-Shaving products
- Hairstyling products
Alkyl Esters is known as the silkiest of all the esters used in hair and body care products. People use it as a silicone replacement, it decreases the ‘tacky’ feeling to almost any emulsion, is non-comedogenic, and can be used to help condition the skin in oil-free products.
According to online information, Esters are the results of replacing the hydrogen of an acid with an “alkyl” or other groups. A variety of naturally occurring fats and essential oils (triglycerides) are fatty acid esters of glycerol.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
This ingredient is an en ester of benzoic acid with long-chain (C12-15) alcohols.
Mainly used as an emollient and thickening agent.
It provides light conditioning and silky aftertouch to the skin and hair.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An ester of benzoic acid found naturally in cranberries and coconut oil. C12-15 alkyl benzoate is used commonly in cosmetics as it is a thickening agent, skin emollient, anti-microbial, and preservative.
Function :
C12-15 alkyl benzoate emollient - soften another substance that would otherwise be difficult to deform, spread or process, and makes it more supple and as an additive that acts as a lubricant on the surface of the skin, gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance
C12-15 alkyl benzoate in as an additive that kills, prevents, or restricts the growth or multiplication of microorganisms
skin conditioner - improves or keeps the skin in good condition
General information :
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is in the form of a clear oily liquid
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a mixture of benzoic acid esters and long-chain alcohols (C12-15)
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is mainly used for its emollient properties
C12-15 alkyl benzoate has a good ability to disperse pigments and other substances
C12-15 alkyl benzoate has good spreadability and leaves the skin dry, non-sticky and non-greasy
C12-15 alkyl benzoate also reduces the grease feeling of other oils in the product
C12-15 alkyl benzoate has antimicrobial properties
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is also suitable for sensitive skin
C12-15 alkyl benzoate softens and smoothes the skin, making it supple and silky
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is non-comedogenic and does not penetrate the skin
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is considered non-irritating (for skin and eyes) and non-sensitizing
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is maximum concentration of use is about 60%
The usual concentration of use is 1% to 15%
Use :
sunscreen preparations
preparations for mature skin
moisturizing preparations
hair gels
lipsticks
hair sprays
shampoos, etc.
What Is C12-15 alkyl benzoate?
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a synthetic ingredient that is used as an emollient and texture enhancing ingredient in a variety of cosmetics and skincare products.
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is part of a group of ingredients called alkyl benzoates. As a class of ingredient, alkyl benzoates are used to improve the stability, texture, and scent of products. C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a low molecular weight ester of benzoic acid and long-chain alcohols. Benzoic acid is a natural ingredient that can be obtained from several types of fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, prunes, plums, cinnamon, ripe cloves, and apples. The ‘C12-15’ in the ingredient name indicates that the alcohols have carbon chain lengths from 12 to 15. C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a clear, oil-soluble liquid.
Why Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Used?
In cosmetics and skincare products, C12-15 alkyl benzoate functions as an emollient, texture enhancer, and antimicrobial agent. It is used in a wide variety of products, such as sunscreens, baby products, bath products, antiperspirants and deodorants, eye makeup, lipstick, foundations, and tinted moisturizers, shaving products, hair styling products, and more.
Emollient
As an emollient, C12-15 alkyl benzoate helps to keep the skin moist and supple by reducing water loss from the outer layers of the skin. Emollients form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin, trapping moisture and preventing water loss to the air. Emollients also help to improve the texture and performance of a product by acting as a lubricant. A lubricant reduces friction when anything rubs against the skin. These functions allow C12-15 alkyl benzoate to keep the skin moisturized and also help repair the appearance of the skin.
While all skin types can benefit from emollients like C12-15 alkyl benzoate, emollients are very beneficial for those who have dry, rough, and/or flaky skin. Emollients help to leave the skin looking and feeling soft and smooth. In addition, emollients may benefit those that suffer from conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or other inflammatory skin condition.
Texture
C12-15 alkyl benzoate can also be classified as a texture enhancer. It imparts a soft and velvety feel to the skin and has improved spreadability. C12-15 alkyl benzoate also functions as an effective thickener when added to gels, creams, and lotions. C12-15 alkyl benzoate has excellent solubility in oil and is often used in sunscreens because it helps keep the active ingredients dispersed throughout the formula.
Scent
C12-15 alkyl benzoate can be used to improve the scent of products. While C12-15 alkyl benzoate is not a direct fragrance it improves the scent by increasing the longevity of the scent in the formulation.
Anti-microbial
Research suggests that C12-15 alkyl benzoate may also have antimicrobial properties, reducing the likelihood of the growth of bacteria and mould in formulations due to contamination. However, there is limited data on which microorganisms this ingredient is effective against.
Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Drying?
Since C12-15 alkyl benzoate is an ester that is composed of various long-chain alcohols, this ingredient is often misunderstood to be bad for the skin. It is true that some alcohols, like ethyl or rubbing alcohol, can be extremely drying to the skin. However, quite the opposite is true for C12-15 alkyl benzoate, which is well known to effectively condition and soften the skin and hair.
Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Safe?
The safety of C12-15 alkyl benzoate and other alkyl benzoates has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, a group responsible for evaluating the safety of skincare and cosmetic ingredients. Due to the low water solubility of long-chain alkyl benzoates, the Expert Panel reasoned that these ingredients were unlikely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, reducing any toxicity of immunity risks. At concentrations used in cosmetic products, C12-15 alkyl benzoate and other long-chain alkyl benzoates are not eye or skin irritant. These compounds also don’t seem to sensitize or irritate the skin. Overall, the Expert Panel concluded that C12-15 alkyl benzoate and other alkyl benzoates are safe for use in cosmetics.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a medium spreading emollient with good solubilizing properties for crystalline UV-filters.
This is a multifunctional emollient that is non-occlusive and non-oily. The ‘C12-15’ in the name indicates that the alcohols have carbon chain lengths from 12 to 15.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate has a low viscosity, resulting in medium spreading properties, rapid absorbency and low residual tack on the skin.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is particularly suitable in sunscreen formulations due to its good compatibility profile with many organic sun filters.
Alkyl benzoates mostly function as skin-conditioning agents, preservatives, solvents, and plasticizers.
Physical and Chemical Properties
The shorter chain alkyl benzoate esters are colourless liquids.
Viscosity generally increases as the molecular mass (chain length) increases.
The physical and chemical properties of the benzoates are shown in Table 2.
At room temperature and pressure, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, butyl benzoate, and isobutyl benzoate are fragrant, colourless oils, and are insoluble in water.
Functions
Solubilisers
Solvents
Spreading Agents
Applications
Antiperspirants & Deodorants
Eye Colour
Eye Contour Care
Face / Neck Skin Care
Face Colour
Facial Cleansers
Lip Care
Lip Colour
Sun Protection
Manufacture and Production
In general, the alkyl benzoates can be produced industrially via the esterification of benzoic acid.
The manufacture of butyl benzoate, for example, is traditionally accomplished via an acid-catalyzed (eg, sulfuric acid) reactive distillation process between benzoic acid and butyl alcohol
Methanol and ethanol are normally obtained via fermentation of natural sources. However, some alcohols with chains longer than ethanol are often produced synthetically. An important process for producing C3- C22 industrial alcohols involves a process known as oxosynthesis (a process for the production of aldehydes which occurs by the reaction of olefins (which can be natural or petroleum sourced) with carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and a catalyst (typically cobalt-based), followed by hydrogenation of the aldehyde products, to form the alcohols.13 A biocatalytic process specifically for the manufacture of esters for use in the formulation of cosmetic and personal care ingredients (ie, for producing cosmetic grade esters) was developed in 2004.14
Impurities
The manufacturing processes of the benzoic esters are typically high yielding (>90%) and easily purified (eg, by distillation).
Therefore, the starting materials and water, at least, maybe expected to be present in the preparations of these esters as the major impurities.
