Ethylhexyl Benzoate

What Is It?

C12-15 Alkyl Benozate is a mixture of benzoic acid esters that consist of benzoic acid and alcohols that have carbon chain lengths from 12 to 15.

Other long-chain alkyl benzoate ingredients that may be used in cosmetics and personal care products include C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Stearyl Benzoate, Isostearyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Benzoate and Octyldodecyl Benzoate.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and the other long-chain alkyl benzoate ingredients may be used in a wide variety of cosmetic products including baby products, bath products, eye makeup, lipstick, shaving products, suntan products, as well as hair care, nail care and skin care products.

Why Is It Used?

In cosmetics and personal care products, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Stearyl Benzoate, Isostearyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Benzoate and Octyldodecyl Benzoate function as skin-conditioning agents – emollients. C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Stearyl Benzoate and Ethylhexyl Benzoate may also function as solvents.

Scientific Facts

Long-chain alkyl benzoate esters, such as C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, are clear, oil soluble low viscosity liquids. When used in cosmetic products, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate provides a light conditioning and silky after touch to the skin.

Safety Information

The safety of C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Stearyl Benzoate, Isostearyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Benzoate and Octyldodecyl Benzoate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel.

The CIR Expert Panel evaluated scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe for use in cosmetics.

CIR Safety Review:

The CIR Expert Panel reviewed safety data on C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Stearyl Benzoate, Isostearyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Benzoate and Octyldodecyl Benzoate as well as data on the components of these ingredients including benzoic acid and branched chain alcohols.

Based on their low water solubility, the CIR Expert Panel reasoned that the long-chain alkyl benzoate ingredients were unlikely to be absorbed into the systemic circulation. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate was not mutagenic. At concentrations used in cosmetic products, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and other long-chain alkyl benzoates were not eye or skin irritants. These compounds are also not dermal sensitizers.

Based on the information reviewed, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate, Stearyl Benzoate, Isostearyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Benzoate and Octyldodecyl Benzoate were safe as used in cosmetic products. The long-chain alkyl benzoates, including C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm