| What is it? | 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. |
| INCI | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate |
| Appearance | Clear liquid |
| Usage rate | Manufacturers suggest 1–30% (The CIR does not mention a maximum usage level; tests a 100% concentration showed no reaction or irritation) |
| Texture | Smooth, thin liquid |
| Scent | Nothing noticeable |
| Absorbency Speed | Fast |
| Solubility | Oil |
| Polarity | High |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | 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). |
| Do you need it? | No |
| Refined or unrefined? | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths | Excellent light-weight emollient that improves slip and reduces greasy feel. |
| Weaknesses | Not considered natural, can be harder to source. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | Isopropyl myristate would probably be my first choice, or a different lightweight ester like Coco-Caprylate, Neossance® Hemisqualane, or Isoamyl laurate.
A lightweight silicone like cyclomethicone could work in cold processed formulations. A very lightweight carrier oil will also work, though that will still be heavier than C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate. |
| How to Work with It | Include C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate in the oil phase of your formulations. It can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate should last two years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is sold under many different trade/brand names; be sure to check the INCI so you know what you’re buying. |
| Recommended starter amount | 50–100mL (2–3fl oz) |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
Some Formulations that Use C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
- Transfer-Resistant Cream Foundation
- Clear Jelly Oil Cleanser
- Summer Glow Body Oil
- Dry Argan Oil Hair Mist
- Nourishing Hand Rescue Lotion
- Summer Glow Body Lotion
- Cream Silk Cleansing Balm
- Watermelon Mint Summer Body Oil
- Intense Hand Rescue Cream
- White Chocolate Peppermint Body Butter Bars
- Cranberry Orange Body Oil
- Rosé Shimmer Body Oil
- Mango Mango Cleansing Oil
- Cocoa Butter Shimmer Bars
- Silky Cream Foundation
