EWG Safety Score
What Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate?
C12-15 alkyl benzoate is used as an emollient (skin-softening, moisture-sealing), texture-enhancing and dispersing agent in cosmetics. This common, synthetic ingredient is an ester that’s soluble in oil and oil-like ingredients, and imparts a lightly conditioning, silky, non-oily finish to products.\n\nC12-15 alkyl benzoate’s excellent solubility is one of the main reasons it’s used in so many sunscreens, as it helps keep the active ingredients evenly dispersed throughout the formula. Research also indicates it has the ability to boost the SPF of certain sunscreen actives.\n\nAnother advantage of C12-15 alkyl benzoate is its occlusive properties which help skin retain moisture over a longer period compared to some other emollients that deliver shorter-lived results.\n\nIn 2012, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed C12-15 alkyl benzoate as safe in the reported use/max concentration at that time (up to 59% in leave-on products).
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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The University of Toledo, May 2020, ePublication [URL not found] The University of Toledo, 2020
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Scientific Journal of the Faculty of Medicine in Nis, December 2013, pages 193-200 [URL not found] Scientific Journal of the Faculty of Medicine in Nis, 2013
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International Journal of Toxicology, November-December 2012, pages 342-372 [URL not found] International Journal of Toxicology, 2012
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