Common Name(s): Emollient wm,c12-15 alkyl fumarate
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides silky non-tacky emolliency with excellent silicone and uv filter compatibility.
Why It's Used: Silicone-compatible ester emollient for premium gel and anhydrous formulations where silicone-like aesthetics are desired from a non-silicone ingredient.
How It Works: Fumarate diester provides silicone-like skin feel from low surface tension. excellent compatibility with cyclomethicone, dimethicone, and cyclopentasiloxane for hybrid silicone-ester formulations. non-tacky from low molecular weight. compatible with uv filters reducing white cast.
Typically Found In: Gel formulations,silicone-ester hybrid products,sunscreens
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – fumarate ester emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Di-c12-15 alkyl fumarate's silicone-like skin feel despite being a hydrocarbon ester arises from the trans-fumarate geometry: the rigid trans double bond in the fumarate backbone provides a specific molecular shape that interacts with skin surface proteins and lipids to reduce friction in a way similar to pdms's siloxane chain flexibility, providing the characteristic silky application feel without silicone chemistry.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment