Ingredient glossary / Emollient
C12-15 alkyl benzoate
On the label: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate · Emollient
What it is
A light ester emollient that also helps dissolve UV filters; common in sunscreens.
Emollients: Emollients fill the gaps between skin cells and leave the surface smooth and soft; oils, butters and esters.
In the research
3 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Dermal absorption and metabolism of [14C]-C12 alkyl benzoate in Finsolv TN in human skin in vitro · Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology, 2025
- Effect of emollients on UV filter absorbance and sunscreen efficiency · Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology, 2020
- C12-15 alkyl benzoate: a new cosmetic allergen? · Contact dermatitis, 2015
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Other emollients
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