Fatty acids, C8-10, C12-18-alkyl esters (CAS 95912-86-0) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Fatty acids, C8-10, C12-18-alkyl esters
CAS 95912-86-0
What Is Fatty acids, C8-10, C12-18-alkyl esters?
Fatty acids C8-10, C12-18-alkyl esters are synthetic compounds used as emollients and texture modifiers in personal care products. You’ll find them in lotions, creams, and some cosmetic formulations where they help create smooth, non-greasy textures. These esters matter because they provide functional benefits without strong odors, making them ideal base ingredients that don’t interfere with fragrance profiles.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Fatty acids, C8-10, C12-18-alkyl esters Smell Like?
This blend of fatty acid esters is nearly odorless, with only faint waxy undertones detectable at high concentrations. The odor profile is deliberately neutral, allowing it to serve as an unobtrusive base in formulations. When heated, it may release very mild fatty notes reminiscent of candle wax or clean cooking oils, but these dissipate quickly.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCC.CCCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Fatty acid C8-10, C12-18-alkyl esters are synthetic compounds created through esterification reactions between medium-chain fatty acids and fatty alcohols. The mixture contains various ester combinations with carbon chain lengths optimized for specific physical properties. These esters are designed to be chemically stable and inert, making them valuable as non-reactive carriers in fragrance applications where they help modulate evaporation rates without contributing scent.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Texture | Light, non-greasy |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Care | 5-15% | Up to 25% | Primary emollient |
| Hair Care | 3-10% | Up to 15% | Conditioning agent |
| Makeup | 2-8% | Up to 12% | Texture modifier |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a neutral base to extend fragrance longevity without altering scent profiles.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar emollient properties with slightly lighter texture, preferred when faster absorption is desired.
Alternative ester with more pronounced smoothing effect on skin, though slightly heavier feel.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for current use levels based on available data.
Sustainability
As synthetic esters, these compounds are produced through controlled chemical processes with consistent quality. While derived from petrochemical or plant sources, their production allows for precise control of properties without natural variation. The environmental impact is moderate, with biodegradability depending on specific ester chain lengths.
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References
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Year). Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics.
- Personal Care Product Council (Year). International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 95912-86-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 653.1 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCC.CCCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC🔬 PubChem |
Odor & Flavor
| Functional Groups | esterether💻 RDKit |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID801018337
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 653.1 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 52.6 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 36 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 201.59 cm^3/mol💻 Computed |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
