viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" width="20" height="20" aria-hidden="true"> Synthetic ester

C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE
Synthetic ester (benzoic acid + branched fatty alcohols)

C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE is produced synthetically by esterifying benzoic acid with branched-chain C12-C15 fatty alcohols. Learn everything about its origin, effect, and the best application in your daily care routine here.

CAS: 68411-27-8 | Also known as: Alkyl benzoate C12-15, benzoic acid C12-15 alkyl ester, Finsolv TN (trade name), Tegosoft TN (trade name), cetearyl benzoate (similar structure)

Substance Class Synthetic ester (benzoic acid + branched fatty alcohols)

INCI Name C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE

CAS Number 68411-27-8

Comedogenicity Grade 1 (very low)

viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" width="32" height="32" aria-hidden="true"> What is C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE?

C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a synthetic ester formed by esterifying benzoic acid with branched-chain fatty alcohols. Originally developed in the 1990s for waterproof sunscreen formulations, it is now an indispensable part of modern skin care. Its branched molecular structure gives it a unique dry-touch feel — it absorbs lightning-fast, leaves no greasy shine, and mattifies the skin without drying it out. Unlike natural oils, it does not oxidize, remains stable for years, and enhances the effect of UV filters as well as fat-soluble active substances such as retinol. With a comedogenicity grade of only 1, it is even suitable for acne-prone skin. In the cosmetics industry, it is considered the gold standard for non-greasy emollients — especially in BB creams, foundations, and sports sunscreen products.

viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" width="32" height="32" aria-hidden="true"> Where does C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE come from?

It is produced synthetically by esterifying benzoic acid with branched-chain C12-C15 fatty alcohols. This reaction creates a highly stable, non-greasy ester that was originally developed as a substitute for natural oils in waterproof sunscreen formulations. In modern cosmetics, extraction and processing are subject to strict quality standards according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. RAU Cosmetics only sources cosmetic-grade raw materials from certified suppliers.

viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" width="32" height="32" aria-hidden="true"> How does C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE work on a cellular level?

Forms an ultra-thin, breathable film on the skin surface that reduces transepidermal water evaporation (TEWL) by up to 15% without clogging pores. The branched alkyl chain ensures a dry skin feel (dry-touch), as it quickly penetrates the upper horny layers and acts there as a softener between the corneocytes. Unlike linear oils, the bulky molecular structure leaves no oily shine.

viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" width="32" height="32" aria-hidden="true"> Dosage & Regulation

Typical use concentration: 2-15% in sunscreen products, 3-10% in BB creams/foundations, 1-5% in face serums

How it works on your skin

Moisture Barrier Without Greasy Shine

Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by up to 15% by forming an ultra-fine, breathable film. In contrast to heavy oils, it penetrates quickly into the upper skin layers and leaves a silky, powdery finish. Clinical studies show that skin moisture remains significantly higher 6 hours after application than with formulations without alkyl benzoate.

Improved Active Ingredient Transport

Acts as a penetration enhancer for lipophilic active substances such as retinol, vitamin E, or coenzyme Q10. The branched structure temporarily loosens the lipid barrier between the corneocytes, allowing fat-soluble molecules to penetrate up to 30% deeper into the epidermis. This effect occurs after about 10-15 minutes and lasts for 2-3 hours.

UV Filter Stabilizer

Improves the photostability of organic UV filters such as avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) by up to 40%. Alkyl benzoate encases the UV filter molecules and protects them from UV-induced decomposition, thereby maintaining the sun protection factor (SPF) for hours. That's why it's contained in almost all modern broad-spectrum sunscreen products.

Natural Oil Texture Without Oxidation

Mimics the spreading behavior of jojoba oil or squalane, but is chemically extremely stable — no oxidation, no rancidity, no discoloration. It remains stable for over 36 months, even at a storage temperature of 40°C. Ideal for clean beauty formulations that want to do without preservative antioxidants.

Sensory Texture Improver

Reduces the 'white cast' of mineral UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide by improving particle dispersion. Simultaneously lowers the viscosity of emulsions by 15-25%, leading to easier spreadability. In makeup products, it ensures an even, streak-free finish without a mask-like feel.

Who is it for?

Combination skin

Absorbs quickly and mattifies the T-zone without dehydrating dry cheeks — ideal for uneven skin types.

Oily skin

Its dry-touch skin feel prevents the oily shine that classic vegetable oils would leave behind.

Acne-prone skin

With a comedogenicity grade of only 1, it practically does not clog pores — perfect for skin prone to blemishes.

Normal skin

Improves the texture of day care and makeup without disturbing the natural skin balance.

In your routine

Morning as a makeup base

Apply a hazelnut-sized amount of a BB cream or tinted day cream containing C12-15 alkyl benzoate after your moisturizer. The ester ensures that foundation on top does not settle in pores or oxidize.

Applying sunscreen

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with at least 2 mg/cm² — this corresponds to about half a teaspoon for the face. Alkyl benzoate stabilizes the UV filters and prevents the typical white film of mineral sunscreens.

Serum booster in the evening

Mix 1-2 drops of a pure alkyl benzoate oil (available as a DIY ingredient) into your retinol or vitamin C serum to increase penetration by up to 30%. Do not use on already sensitized skin barriers.

Body lotion for sport

Use a body lotion with this ester after showering — it absorbs immediately so you can get dressed right away without leaving sticky residues on your clothes.

Storage: Extremely stable — no oxidation, no hydrolysis, no rancidity. Shelf life > 36 months at 25°C, > 24 months at 40°C. Photostable (no UV-induced decomposition). May become slightly cloudy at temperatures below 5°C, but clears up again at room temperature without loss of quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is C12-15 alkyl benzoate a microplastic?

No. It is a liquid ester of benzoic acid and fatty alcohols, not a polymer. Microplastics consist of solid synthetic polymers (e.g., polyethylene beads). C12-15 alkyl benzoate is biodegradable according to OECD 301B (Ready Biodegradability) and meets EU criteria for environmentally compatible cosmetic ingredients. It does not remain in the environment like real microplastics.

Why is this ester better than natural oils in sunscreen?

Natural oils such as coconut or almond oil have a maximum SPF of 2-8 and oxidize under UV light, which generates free radicals. C12-15 alkyl benzoate is photostable, enhances the effect of chemical UV filters by up to 40%, and distributes mineral filters more evenly, thereby reducing the white cast. In addition, it has a shelf life of 36+ months, while vegetable oils become rancid after 6-12 months.

Can I use this ingredient for rosacea?

Yes, even recommended. Rosacea skin often reacts sensitively to heavy oils that cause heat buildup. C12-15 alkyl benzoate is non-occlusive (does not clog pores) and lets the skin breathe while still binding moisture. Dermatologists use it in 70% of all rosacea formulations because it has no vasodilatory (vessel-expanding) effect — in contrast to oils with a high omega-6 content.

How does this ester differ from isopropyl myristate?

Isopropyl myristate is a straight-chain ester with a comedogenicity grade of 4-5 (clogs pores heavily). C12-15 alkyl benzoate has branched alkyl chains, which makes it significantly less comedogenic (Grade 1). In addition, it absorbs 3 times faster and leaves no sticky feeling. In comparative studies, 89% of participants preferred the sensory properties of alkyl benzoate over isopropyl myristate.

Is this substance suitable for vegan cosmetics?

Yes, fully vegan. The benzoic acid is produced synthetically from toluene (petroleum derivative), the C12-15 fatty alcohols come from petrochemical sources (ethylene polymerization). No animal raw materials are used. Many clean beauty brands use it as a vegan alternative to lanolin or beeswax derivatives that produce similar textures.

Discover the Power of C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE

Find the right RAU Cosmetics product for your individual skin care routine.

Discover all active ingredients

RAU BB Cream Perfect Care Medium 75 ml tube on a white background

BB Cream Perfect Care Medium by RAU Cosmetics, multifunctional skincare and makeup product, high coverage, UV protection, soothing, surrounded by floral elements.

BB Cream Perfect Care Medium 75 ml SPF 12 Make-up & Care

BB Cream Perfect Care Medium ✔ Coverage & care in one product ✔ light texture, easy distribution ✔ excellent coverage ✔ with natural UV protection ✔ very economical ✔ developed & produced in Germany Skin type The BB Cream is suitable for medium skin types. Application Spread the BB Cream Perfect Care evenly over the face and possibly neck. CAN - give radiant and egg-like complexion- conceal impurities and redness- moisturize- soothe the skin- protect against premature aging of the skin Hazard statements Not for children under 3 years of age.Our 5in1 BB Cream in the color Medium combines perfect coverage and moisturizing care in an incredibly light BB Cream. The combination of active ingredients in our BB Cream: Our BB Creams provide intensive care and an even and healthy complexion. Beeswax, almond, grapeseed and soybean oil as well as zinc and vitamin E soothe and care for even dry or stressed skin. Due to the contained active ingredients panthenol and zinc, impurities, redness and irritation can be alleviated. Minerals and vitamin E provide natural UV protection. Ingredients AQUA (WATER) - water - solvent, moisturizes CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) - titanium dioxide - colorant DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE - dicaprylyl carbonate - keeps the skin in good condition and makes it supple BUTYLENE GLYCOL - solvent - binds moisture, improves the smell of a product / perfumes the skin POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE - Polyglyceryl Hydroxystearate - Keeps skin in good condition C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE - Esters of benzoic acid and fatty alcohols of chain length C12 to C15 - antimicrobial, skin nourishing CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES) - iron oxide yellow - colorant TITANIUM DIOXIDE - Titanium dioxide - Protects skin or hair from harmful UV radiation DICAPRYLYL ETHER - Dicaprylyl ether, dioctyl ether - Solvent, makes the skin supple and smooth POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE - esterification product of isostearic acid with polyglycerol - enables the formation of emulsions ISOPROPYL STEARATE - Isopropyl stearate - makes the skin supple and soft, keeps the skin in good condition and ensures the cohesion of the product TALC - Talc, Talcum, Soapstone - Removes impurities from the skin surface by abrasive/polishing action, Protects the skin from external influences CERA ALBA (BEESWAX) - beeswax - gives the product a pleasant smell, makes the skin smooth and soft GRAPE (VITIS VINIFERA) SEED OIL - grape oil - nourishes the skin, keeps it in a good condition and makes the skin smooth and soft PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL - almond oil - nourishes the skin and keeps it in good condition PANTHENOL - Panthenol - regenerates and renews damaged skin, soothing and anti-inflammatory, promotes cell growth ZINC OXIDE - zinc oxide - anitmicrobial, skin protective, protects skin from harmful UV radiation MAGNESIUM SULFATE - magnesium sulfate - increases or decreases the viscosity (toughness) of the product TOCOPHEROL - Vitamin E - Antioxidant - Keeps the skin in good condition and improves the smell of the product LECITHIN - lecithin - skin nourishing, makes the skin smooth and supple and keeps it in a good condition, enables the formation of emulsions ASCORBYL PALMITATE - antioxidant - makes the product durable and improves the smell of the product PHENOXYETHANOL - phenoxyethanol - antimicrobial, protects the product from spoilage HEXYLDECANOL - Hexyldecanol - keeps the skin in good condition, makes the skin smooth and supple HEXYLDECYL LAURATE - Esterification product of lauric acid with 2-hexyldecanol - Keeps skin in good condition, Makes skin smooth and supple DEHYDROACETIC ACID - Dehydroacetic acid - protects the product from microbial spoilage CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES) - iron oxide red - colorant CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES) - iron oxide black - colorant PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) - fragrance BENZOIC ACID - benzoic acid - improves the smell of the product TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE - stabilizer - influences stability and quality of the product ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN - ethylhexylglycerin - skin conditioning agent SODIUM HYDROXIDE - sodium hydroxide - regulates and stabilizes the pH of the product

Content: 0.075 Liter ($520.27* / 1 Liter)

$39.02* (previously $39.02*)

75ml tube of RAU Cosmetics BB Cream Perfect Care in the shade Natural.

Concealing Care: A woman applying the BB Cream topically to gently cover redness and imperfections.

BB Cream Perfect Care Natural 75 ml SPF 12 Make-up & Care

BB Cream Perfect Care Natural ✔ Coverage & care in one product ✔ light texture, easy distribution ✔ excellent coverage ✔ light texture, easy distribution ✔ with natural UV protection ✔ very high-yield ✔ developed & produced in Germany Skin type The BB Cream is suitable for medium skin types. Application Distribute the BB Cream Perfect Care evenly over the face and possibly the neck CAN - give a radiant and even complexion- moisturize- soothe the skin- prevent impurities- provide a beautiful glow- prevent aging of the skin Hazard statements Not suitable for children under 3 years of age. Our BB Cream in the color Natural ensures that your skin not only convinces with a flawless complexion, but can also radiate from within thanks to rich care. The BB Cream is very easy to spread thanks to its light texture . The combination of active ingredients in our BB Cream: Beeswax, almond, grape seed and soybean oil, as well as zinc and vitamin E, soothe and nourish your skin to a caressing softness. Blemishes, redness and irritated skin can also be soothed by panthenol and zinc. Valuable minerals and vitamin E provide natural UV protection. Ingredients AQUA (WATER) - water - solvent, moisturizes the skin DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE - dicaprylyl carbonate - keeps skin in good condition and makes it supple BUTYLENE GLYCOL - solvent - binds moisture, improves the smell of a product / perfumes the skin CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) - titanium dioxide - colorant POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE - polyglyceryl hydroxystearate - keeps the skin in good condition TALC - Talc , talcum, soapstone - removes impurities from the skin surface by abrasive/polishing action,, protects the skin from external influences C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE - ester of benzoic acid and fatty alcohols of chain length C12 to C15 - antimicrobial, skin conditioning TITANIUM DIOXIDE - Titanium dioxide - protects skin or hair from harmful UV radiation POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE - esterification product of isostearic acid with polyglycerol - enables the formation of emulsions DICAPRYLYL ETHER - dicaprylyl ether, dioctyl ether - solvent, makes skin supple and smooth ISOPROPYL STEARATE - isopropyl stearate - makes the skin supple and soft, keeps the skin in good condition and ensures the cohesion of the product CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES) - iron oxide yellow - colorant ZINC OXIDE - zinc oxide - anitmicrobial, skin protective, protects skin from harmful UV radiation GRAPE (VITIS VINIFERA) SEED OIL - grape oil - nourishes the skin, keeps it in good condition and makes the skin soft and supple PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL - almond oil - nourishes the skin and keeps it in good condition MAGNESIUM SULFATE - magnesium sulfate - increases or decreases the viscosity (toughness) of the product CERA ALBA (BEESWAX) - beeswax - gives the product a pleasant smell, makes the skin smooth and soft ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN - ethylhexylglycerin - skin nourishing LECITHIN - lecithin - skin nourishing, makes the skin smooth and supple and keeps it in good condition, enables the formation of emulsions PANTHENOL - panthenol - regeneration and renewal of damaged skin, soothing and anti-inflammatory, promotes cell growth HEXYLDECYL LAURATE - esterification product of lauric acid with 2-hexyldecanol - keeps the skin in good condition, Makes the skin smooth and supple TOCOPHEROL - Vitamin E - antioxidant - keeps the skin in good condition and improves the smell of the product ASCORBYL PALMITATE - antioxidant - makes the product durable and improves the smell of the product PHENOXYETHANOL - phenoxyethanol - antimicrobial, protects the product from spoilage HEXYLDECANOL - 2 - hexyldecanol - keeps the skin in good condition, makes the skin smooth and supple CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES) - Iron oxide red - colorant CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES) - Iron oxide black - dye PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) - fragrance DEHYDROACETIC ACID - dehydroacetic acid - protects the product from microbial spoilage BENZOIC ACID - benzoic acid- improves the odor of the product TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE - stabilizer - influences stability and quality of the product GLYCERYL STEARATE - surfactant - makes the skin smooth and supple GLYCERYL OLEATE - oleic acid glycerol ester, glycerol monooleate - skin caring, perfuming CITRIC ACID - citric acid - reduction of horny skin areas, blackheads, acne scars, fine wrinkles, widening/deepening of pores SODIUM HYDROXIDE - caustic soda - Regulates and stabilizes the pH of the product

Content: 0.075 Liter ($520.27* / 1 Liter)

$39.02* (previously $39.02*)

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Start mit 2x pro Woche abends — nach 4 Wochen auf 3 bis 4x steigern. Empfindliche Haut: 1x wöchentlich beginnen. Sonnenschutz am Folgetag ist Pflicht.

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