Antioxidant preservative, an ester of gallic acid. Protects oils from rancidity. Occasionally causes allergic contact dermatitis.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Effective antioxidant for the oil phase. Known but not frequent allergen: contact dermatitis has been reported in beauticians and consumers.
Dodecyl Gallate (also Lauryl Gallate, E312) is a synthetic antioxidant-preservative, an ester of gallic acid and dodecyl alcohol. Used in food and cosmetics to protect oils from oxidation and rancidity. Mechanism. Interrupts chain reactions of lipid oxidation by binding free radicals. Especially effective in protecting plant and animal oils, wax components, fat-soluble vitamins. In formulas at 0.005-0.1%. Where applied. Plant-oil-based cosmetics, lip balms, anti-aging products with oils, hair products with an oil phase. In food – in oils, margarine, chewing gum. In Spain – in niche artisan products and some natural cosmetic lines. Evidence base. Antioxidant efficacy confirmed by years of practice and standard stability tests. No active skin pharmacology. Safety and controversies. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. Allergic contact dermatitis is described in the literature – per European Contact Dermatitis Group data, sensitization in 0.5-1% of patients suspected of preservative allergy. This places it in the risk group compared with other antioxidants (tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate). Pregnancy and lactation – safe at standard cosmetic concentrations. Best suited to: healthy skin without contact dermatitis tendency. Not for sensitive skin or with gallate allergies (propyl-, octyl-, dodecyl-gallate – cross-sensitization).
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
ModeratePregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Dodecyl Gallate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Dodecyl Gallate suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Antioxidant preservative, an ester of gallic acid.
The INCI name is Dodecyl Gallate. It may also appear as: Lauryl Gallate, E312.
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Use with caution