High-melting cholesteryl mesogen for oil-phase structuring and cholesteric liquid-crystal effect blends; essentially water-insoluble.
Cholesteryl Benzoate is an aromatic cholesterol ester widely known as a thermotropic liquid-crystal (mesogenic) material and a high-melting, highly lipophilic structuring wax in oil phases.
In cholesteric (chiral nematic) blends, it functions as a more rigid, higher-order mesogen that can increase structural order and thermal stability, helping tune the temperature window and optical intensity when combined with lower-melting cholesteryl mesogens.
In cosmetic systems it is used primarily for oil-phase structuring/sensory modification and as a building block for cholesteric liquid-crystal domains (optical effect ingredients), rather than as a water-phase functional active.
Product Description: Cholesteryl Benzoate is typically the rigid, high-melting component in a multi-mesogen cholesteryl LC system. Practically, this often means (1) higher melt/softening requirements, (2) stronger tendency to crystallize if overdosed or cooled too quickly, and (3) the ability to increase order and thermal stability when used in blends.
How to use with Cholesteryl Oleyl Carbonate + Cholesteryl Nonanoate (3-component tuning):
- Cholesteryl Oleyl Carbonate: lower-melting/flexible mesogen to pull transitions downward and improve spreadability.
- Cholesteryl Nonanoate: waxy aliphatic C9 cholesteryl ester to add consistency and help broaden the window.
- Cholesteryl Benzoate (this item): rigid/high-melting aromatic mesogen to increase order and thermal stability.
Practical ratio set to screen (w/w within the LC mesogen blend):
- 50:35:15 (COC:CN:CB) for easier melting/softer feel.
- 40:40:20 as a balanced starting point.
- 30:45:25 when more order/thermal stability is needed (validate crystallization risk).
Because cholesteric appearance depends strongly on partial (not complete) solubilization and on thermal history, performance must be validated after heat/cool cycles in the final base.
Key watch-outs: full solubilization in a strong oil/solvent can suppress the LC domain; conversely, insufficient solubilization can cause visible crystals or instability. Define a controlled heating/cooling protocol and check appearance after thermal cycling.
Usage: Oil gels, balms, lip products, make-up, and emulsions (oil phase). Also used as a component in cholesteric LC effect blends in color cosmetics and specialty sensorial/visual systems.
Mixing method:
- Add to the oil phase and heat sufficiently to melt and disperse (CB often drives the highest melt temperature within the mesogen set).
- Use compatible esters/oils and co-mesogens to prevent crystallization on cooling; cool under controlled, gentle mixing.
- Validate stability and appearance after thermal cycling; optimize the oil phase to keep the desired structured domain (not fully dissolved, not crystallized out).
Usage rate: 0.1–5%
For optical cholesteric effects, a typical starting point is ~0.2–3% of a cholesteric LC blend in the finished formula, then adjust based on tack, stability, and visual intensity.
Product characteristics: White crystalline solid/powder; high-melting structuring lipid; essentially water-insoluble.
Solubility: Insoluble in water. Soluble in many organic solvents and in selected oils/esters (often with heat); may crystallize if the oil phase is not sufficiently compatible.
Storage: Store tightly closed, dry, and away from excessive heat and light. Re-check appearance after transport/storage temperature swings when used for optical effects.
