Skincare Ingredient
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C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
In Skincare: Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a widely utilized emollient that helps soften and seal moisture in the skin.
- 02
In sunscreen formulations, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate functions to evenly distribute active ingredients throughout the product.
- 03
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate may enhance the SPF provided by some sunscreen actives.
- 04
Products containing C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate can offer a lightly conditioning and silky skin feel.
- 05
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate has a demonstrated history of safe use in cosmetic applications.
Key Benefits
What C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Role of C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
ANTIMICROBIAL
Germ FighterInhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Antimicrobial agents possess bactericidal, bacteriostatic, fungicidal, or fungistatic properties through disrupting cell membrane integrity, inhibiting protein synthesis, interfering with metabolic pathways, or damaging DNA/RNA. Common antimicrobials include quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohols, chlorhexidine, triclosan, and essential oils. Efficacy depends on concentration, pH, contact time, and microbial load.
SKIN CONDITIONING
Skin EnhancerMaintains skin in good condition and improves its feel
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.
SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
Skin SoftenerSoftens and smooths skin by filling gaps between cells
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Emollient ingredients create smooth, soft skin by filling spaces between corneocytes in stratum corneum. These include esters (isopropyl palmitate), oils (jojoba, argan), fatty alcohols, and silicones. The mechanism involves spreading on skin surface, filling microscopic irregularities, and creating lubricious film. Effects are immediate tactile improvement and visual smoothing. Emolliency measured by spreading coefficient and skin feel assessments.
Products
containing C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
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References
Scientific sources
The University of Toledo, May 2020, ePublication
Scientific Journal of the Faculty of Medicine in Nis, December 2013, pages 193-200
International Journal of Toxicology, November-December 2012, pages 342-372
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate — common questions
What is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate in skincare?
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a mixture of benzoic acid esters derived from benzoic acid and alcohols with carbon chain lengths ranging from 12 to 15. Other long-chain alkyl benzoate ingredients commonly found in cosmetics include C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Stearyl Benzoate, Isostearyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Benzoate, and Octyldodecyl Benzoate. These ingredients are utilized in a broad range of cosmetic products, such as baby care items, bath products, eye makeup, lipsticks, shaving preparations, sunscreen
What does C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate do? / Functions of C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate?
Common functions: ANTIMICROBIAL, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT.
What is the comedogenic rating of C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate? / Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate comedogenic?
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is unlikely to clog pores (rating 2/5).
Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate safe for skin?
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: CIR assessments and broad cosmetic use indicate it is generally safe at typical concentrations. It is considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing in most formulations. Limited safety data is availab
Is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate good for sensitive skin?
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate in skincare?
Known considerations: CIR assessments and broad cosmetic use indicate it is generally safe at typical concentrations. It is considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing in most formulations. Limited safety data is available for long-term use during pregnancy or on damaged skin.