What Is Dodecyl benzoate?

Learn about the antimicrobial, skin conditioning, and skin conditioning emollient characteristics of Dodecyl benzoate and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Dodecyl benzoate? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Dodecyl benzoate?

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Dodecyl benzoate, also known as lauryl benzoate, is a liquid substance that has multiple uses in cosmetics. It can help prevent the growth of microorganisms and bacteria on the skin, making it antimicrobial. Additionally, it works to keep the skin soft and smooth by acting as a skin conditioning agent and emollient.

What is the purpose of Dodecyl benzoate in personal care products? It is used for its antimicrobial, skin conditioning, and skin conditioning emollient characteristics. Dodecyl benzoate prevents bacterial growth, moisturizes and strengthens skin, and hydrates skin to prevent dryness.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Dodecyl benzoate and "Benzoic acid, C12-15-alkyl esters".

What Are Antimicrobial Ingredients?

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Dodecyl benzoate has antimicrobial characteristics.

Antimicrobial ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic products like creams, lotions, and makeup to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These ingredients help preserve the quality and extend product shelf life by preventing contamination.

Cosmetic products are produced with various ingredients that can serve as food for microorganisms, making it a suitable environment for them to grow and multiply. This can lead to the formation of unpleasant odors, changes in color, and even product spoilage. Antimicrobial ingredients are added to prevent such occurrences.

These ingredients are also added to disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and other cleaning solutions to kill bacteria and viruses that may be present on surfaces. These ingredients are essential in settings like hospitals and schools, where there is a high risk of infection and transmission.

Types of Antimicrobial Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of antimicrobial ingredients in cosmetics:

  • Preservatives: These are added to cosmetics to prevent microbial growth and spoilage. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

  • Surfactants: These help to break down the surface tension of liquids and can have antimicrobial properties. They are often used in cleansing products to help remove dirt and oil from the skin.

  • Essential oils: These concentrated plant extracts can have antimicrobial properties. They are often used in natural and organic cosmetics as a natural preservative and fragrance.

  • Antimicrobial agents: These specifically target and kill microorganisms. They are often added to products such as deodorants, antiperspirants, and hand sanitizers to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbes.

  • Natural extracts: Many natural extracts, such as tea tree oil and neem oil, have been shown to have antimicrobial properties. They are often used in natural and organic cosmetics as an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

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Dodecyl benzoate has skin conditioning characteristics.

Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.

What Are Skin Conditioning Emollient Ingredients?

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Dodecyl benzoate has skin conditioning emollient characteristics.

Skin conditioning emollients help improve the skin's texture and appearance while providing it with the necessary hydration to prevent dryness and flakiness. Emollients are lubricants that create a barrier on the skin's surface to trap moisture, which helps prevent dryness and dehydration.

Skin conditioning emollients are commonly found in cosmetics such as moisturizers and lotions, which significantly help maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. Emollients are typically made from natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba, and can also contain humectants that draw moisture to the skin's surface.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.