C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight ester of benzoic acid and mid-chain alcohols used as a cosmetic emollient and solvent. It gives silky slip, quick absorption, and a non-greasy finish, improving spreadability in sunscreens, makeup, and daily skincare.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A lightweight ester that helps sunscreen and makeup spread evenly.
Category
Skin Conditioning
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Great

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Leaves skin soft with a quick, dry-touch feel that reduces heaviness, and improves glide so products spread evenly and feel less oily during wear.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Frequently added to sunscreens, primers, lightweight moisturizers, and fluid foundations to improve feel and wear, and also used in silky hair serums and body lotions.

Comedogenic Rating

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate has a comedogenic rating of 2. It has a low likelihood of clogging pores but may not suit all skin types.

Safety

Typically well tolerated with a low likelihood of irritation. Rare individuals may experience sensitivity to benzoate esters; discontinue if redness or discomfort occurs. Suitable for leave-on use at customary levels.

Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate a Good Ingredient?

This stable, lightweight ester has a strong track record for low irritation and excellent sensory improvement, which earns it a Great rating; it improves spreadability and uniform film formation across many formats without heaviness.