C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate

C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from medium-chain alcohols and ethylhexanoic acid. It's used to improve spreadability, reduce greasiness, and give a silky finish in lotions, sunscreens, and color cosmetics.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A silky ester that leaves skin feeling smooth, not greasy.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Barrier Support
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Provides a soft, dry-touch finish that helps skin feel smooth without heaviness, and aids in reducing oily residue for a more refined, non-greasy feel.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Often included in lightweight moisturizers, facial serums, and fluid sunscreens to boost slip, and also used in primers and liquid foundations for a velvety application.

Comedogenic Rating

C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate has a comedogenic rating of 1. It has a very low likelihood of clogging pores.

Safety

Typically low-irritation and well tolerated. A small subset may experience mild irritation or breakouts; patch test if very sensitive. No common regulatory restrictions noted.

Is C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate a Good Ingredient?

This lightweight ester improves slip and reduces greasiness, with a track record of stability and generally low irritation in leave-on formulas, which is enough for a Good rating.

Products with C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate

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