Hexyl Benzoate
What Hexyl Benzoate is & what it does
Hexyl Benzoate is the ester of hexyl alcohol and benzoic acid, used in cosmetics as an emollient and solvent. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it gives a light, smooth skin feel and can help dissolve other ingredients such as UV filters. It is a synthetic ingredient valued for its low greasiness and pleasant texture.
What does Hexyl Benzoate do in skincare?
Hexyl Benzoate works as an emollient and solvent in skincare and sunscreen. It gives products a light, smooth, non-greasy feel and can help dissolve other ingredients, including some UV filters. It is often chosen to improve the overall texture and spreadability of a formula.
Is Hexyl Benzoate safe?
Hexyl Benzoate is widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe at the levels used in finished products. As with many esters, it is possible for sensitive individuals to react, though this is not common. Patch testing is a reasonable step if your skin is easily irritated.
Is Hexyl Benzoate natural or synthetic?
Hexyl Benzoate is a synthetic ingredient, produced by combining hexyl alcohol with benzoic acid to form an ester. While benzoic acid occurs in nature, the cosmetic-grade ester is manufactured for consistency and purity. It is valued for its reliable, lightweight skin feel.
Sunscreens with Hexyl Benzoate
We rate 6 sunscreens that contain it:
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Nivea Sun Protect & Dry Touch SPF 30
82/100
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My Sunshine Natural Sunscreen Spf 30
72/100
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Leeford Meglow Sunscreen Gel SPF-30 With Glycolic Acid
71/100
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Bake cosmetics Peptide Tinted Sunscreen SPF 70
69/100
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Torrent pharma Ahaglow Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
55/100
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Chambor Daily UV Pro Invisible SPF
49/100