Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds according to the structure: Wherein R1 is a C11 to C21 saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon or a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon containing a pendant hydroxyl group, preferably on a carbon atom in a position alpha or beta to the keto group of the ester moiety; X is CH2, OCH2CH2 or HC═CHCH2; and R2 is H, OCH3, CH3 or CH2CH3. These compounds exhibit use in personal care products as dry emollients as well as providing additional characteristics including solvency, dispersants, gloss-enhancing agents, solubilizing agents and melting-point depressants, lubricants, viscosity modulating agents and skin protection factor boosters.