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OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE

Last update on Mar 20, 2026

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate is a highly branched, liquid ester derived from neopentanoic acid (pivalic acid) and octyldodecanol. It is a very light, dry-touch emollient with excellent spreadability, rapid absorption, a powdery-smooth after-feel, and non-greasy finish. This clear, colorless, low-odor oil is a premium silicone alternative in clean beauty and natural-leaning formulations. It is widely used in facial moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, primers, foundations, makeup removers, lip products, and lightweight hair oils for luxurious glide, reduced tackiness, improved pigment dispersion, and elegant sensory performance.

CAS Number: 158567-66-9Chem/IUPAC Name: Propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, 2-octyldodecyl esterEINECS/ELINCS No: COSING REF No: 35629

Products with OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE

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Trivasperse 31

by Alzo International

INCI: OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE | POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIISOSTEARATE

Sustainable option

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Elefac® I-205

by Alzo International

INCI: OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE

Sustainable option

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ONH75ZC1

by Kobo Products

INCI: DIMETHICONE | ZINC OXIDE | POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE | OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE

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What is OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE used for?

Emollient / Skin conditioning: Softens skin with an ultra-light, velvety, non-oily finish. Frequently used in creams, lotions, serums, and sunscreens for fast-absorbing, weightless hydration and smooth application.
Solvent & dispersant: Dissolves lipophilic actives, UV filters, pigments, and fragrances evenly. Ideal in color cosmetics, tinted moisturizers, foundations, and makeup removers for uniform distribution and stability.
Texture enhancer: Reduces greasiness, improves spreadability, and provides a dry, powdery touch. Common in primers, lipsticks, deodorants, and hair products for elegant sensorial properties and non-sticky hold.

Origin

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate is produced synthetically by esterification of neopentanoic acid (2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid, derived from isobutylene or pivaloyl chloride) with octyldodecanol (branched C20 fatty alcohol from Guerbet reaction of decanol). The result is a highly purified, stable ester with exceptional oxidative stability and low comedogenicity. It is fully synthetic but widely accepted in natural-leaning and high-performance formulations due to its clean sensory profile and biodegradability in many grades.

What does OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE do in a formulation?

EMOLLIENT|

SKIN CONDITIONING|

SOLVENT|

SMOOTHING

Safety Profile

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate is considered safe for cosmetic use per the CIR Expert Panel (safe as used in alkyl esters review). It has a very low hazard rating from EWG (typically 1) with no significant concerns for irritation, sensitization, comedogenicity, or toxicity. It is non-irritating, well-tolerated across skin types (including sensitive and acne-prone), and shows low dermal absorption.