How we scored it
Where it comes from
Dominant route: synthetic C12-13 alcohols are esterified with DL-malic acid made from maleic anhydride (butane). An oleochemical C12-14 alcohol with fermentation L-malic acid is possible but not the known commercial grade, so the supplier should confirm.
In plain English
A light, silky emollient ester of malic acid and C12-13 fatty alcohols. It gives creams, sunscreens and lipsticks a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps dissolve other oils and actives. Both parts are generally made from petrochemical feedstocks.
CosIng definition: Butandioic acid, hydroxy-, bis-(C12-13-alkyl) esters
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References
- 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
- 2DI-C12-13 ALKYL MALATE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
- 3DI-C12-13 ALKYL MALATE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=DI-C12-13%20ALKYL%20MALATE