C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an ester-based cosmetic ingredient widely used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It is valued for its lightweight application feel, smooth spreading properties and ability to improve the sensory characteristics of skincare, sun-care, makeup and personal-care formulations.
The ingredient consists of esters formed from benzoic acid and a mixture of C12–C15 alcohols. Because it represents a mixture of related ester compounds, its average molecular characteristics and certain physical properties can depend on the composition and commercial grade.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate can be considered for facial moisturizers, body lotions, creams, foundations, sunscreen formulations and other oil-containing cosmetic products. It may also help disperse selected oil-soluble ingredients and improve the distribution of pigments or other formulation components when compatibility has been established.
The recognised INCI name is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate. A commonly listed CAS number is 68411-27-8, and the associated EC number is 270-112-4. Buyers should verify the identity and grade-specific specifications against the supplier's current Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a mixture of alkyl esters derived from benzoic acid and alcohols containing 12 to 15 carbon atoms. It belongs to the cosmetic ester family and is primarily used to improve emolliency, spreadability and product feel.
In cosmetic formulations, the ingredient can provide lubrication and help leave the skin feeling smoother. Its oil-compatible character makes it useful in oil phases, anhydrous products and emulsions formulated with an appropriate emulsifier system.
It is also used in selected sun-care and colour-cosmetic formulations because it can support the dispersion or solubilisation of certain oil-compatible ingredients. Performance depends on the specific materials, concentrations and formulation conditions involved.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate should not be confused with Ethylhexyl Benzoate or other individual alkyl benzoates. These materials have different chemical identities and should be selected according to the required INCI name and technical documentation.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate |
| INCI Name | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate |
| Chemical Description | Esters of benzoic acid and C12–C15 alcohols |
| Alternative Chemical Name | Benzoic acid, C12-15 alkyl esters |
| Chemical Class | Alkyl benzoate ester mixture |
| CAS Number | 68411-27-8 |
| EC Number | 270-112-4 |
| Average Molecular Formula | Depends on the mixture composition and reporting convention |
| Average Molecular Weight | Composition-dependent; verify the grade documentation |
| Physical State | Typically liquid |
| Appearance | Commonly clear liquid; colour limits are grade-specific |
| Water Solubility | Generally insoluble in water |
| Primary Cosmetic Function | Emollient |
| Additional Function | Skin conditioning |
| Product Category | Cosmetic Ingredient |
Identity note: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a mixture rather than one single ester molecule. Confirm its identity, applicable identifiers and technical properties against the current documentation for the material being purchased.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps improve the smoothness and softness of the skin feel in cosmetic products. It provides lubrication on application and can contribute to the sensory quality of creams, lotions and other skin-conditioning formulations.
This ester is commonly selected when formulators want an emollient that spreads readily without relying solely on heavier oils or waxes. The finished sensory profile depends on the complete oil phase and the ingredient's use level.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate can support even application across the skin and improve the glide of selected cosmetic products. It may be used to adjust the balance between richness, slip and after-feel.
In suitable formulations, it can act as a carrier or solvent for certain oil-compatible materials. It may also assist with dispersing selected pigments or other solids. Solubility and dispersion should be confirmed for the actual ingredients and grade.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is used in some sun-care products as an emollient and formulation aid. Its presence alone does not provide a sun-protection claim or establish the finished product's SPF; these require appropriate formulation development and testing.
The ingredient can help improve the application characteristics of selected foundations, makeup bases and other colour cosmetics. Its suitability depends on compatibility with pigments, powders, film formers and the rest of the formulation.
The finished formulation must be assessed for stability, compatibility and the performance requirements of the intended product.
Application suitability depends on the commercial grade, formulation design and intended finished-product performance.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is generally incorporated into the oil phase or a suitable anhydrous formulation. Follow the processing guidance for the selected grade and confirm compatibility with the other oil-phase ingredients.
The ingredient is generally insoluble in water. Water-containing products require a suitable emulsification system to maintain uniform distribution and physical stability.
When used as a solvent or carrier, evaluate the solubility of the intended material under actual formulation conditions. Do not assume that it dissolves every oil-soluble ingredient or UV filter.
The appropriate concentration depends on the intended application, target texture, spreadability and the balance of other emollients. Establish the use level through formulation trials and supplier guidance.
For colour cosmetics, evaluate wetting, dispersion quality, colour uniformity and stability with the selected pigments and powders. Performance may vary by grade and formulation.
Evaluate the finished product for appearance, odour, viscosity, phase separation and other relevant changes under appropriate stability conditions. Sun-care and colour-cosmetic formulations may require additional performance testing.
Depending on the commercial grade, relevant quality checks may include identification, appearance, colour, odour, acid value, saponification value, relative density and refractive index. Confirm the actual test methods and acceptance limits using the current COA and TDS.
Keep the material in a suitable, tightly closed container under the supplier-recommended storage conditions. Protect it from contamination and follow applicable workplace handling procedures.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a useful ingredient to evaluate when developing skincare, sun-care, colour-cosmetic and personal-care products that require an oil-compatible emollient ester.
Swapnroop supports cosmetic ingredient procurement requirements for formulation businesses. Before purchasing, confirm the INCI identity, CAS number, grade, packaging, available documentation and batch-specific quality parameters. For production use, assess the ingredient within the complete formulation and verify its compatibility and performance.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a mixture of esters derived from benzoic acid and C12–C15 alcohols. It is primarily used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
The INCI name is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate.
A commonly listed CAS number is 68411-27-8. Verify the identifier against the supplied material's documentation.
The commonly associated EC number is 270-112-4.
It is used mainly as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in skincare, sun-care, colour cosmetics and selected personal-care products.
It is generally insoluble in water and is typically incorporated into an oil phase or a suitable anhydrous formulation.
It can be used as an emollient or formulation aid in some sun-care products. It is not, by itself, evidence of UV protection or a particular SPF.
It may assist with wetting or dispersing selected pigments in compatible formulations. The result should be assessed using the intended pigment, grade and processing method.
No. They have different chemical identities and alkyl-chain descriptions. Verify the required INCI name before selecting a material.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |