C12-15 alkyl benzoate is used as an emollient (skin softener, moisture sealer), texture enhancer and dispersant in cosmetics. This common, synthetic ingredient is an ester that is soluble in oil and oil-like ingredients and gives products a light-care, silky, non-oily finish.
C12-15 alkylbenzoate's excellent solubility is one of the main reasons it is used in so many sunscreens, as it helps keep the active ingredients evenly distributed in the formula. Research also shows that it has the ability to boost the SPF of certain active sunscreens.
Another benefit of C12-15 alkyl benzoate is its occlusive properties, which help skin retain moisture over a longer period of time compared to some other emollients that produce shorter-lived results.
In 2012, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel rated C12-15 alkylbenzoate as safe in the reported use/max concentration at the time (up to 59% in leave-on products). https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/ingredient-c12-15-alkyl-benzoate.html?q=C12-15%20Alkyl%20Benzoate&fdid=ingredients