Question 1

What does C13-14 Isoparaffin/C13-14 Isoalkane do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight solvent, slip agent, and emollient, helping spread pigments, film-formers, and polymer gels evenly on skin or hair.

Question 2

Is C13-14 Isoparaffin/C13-14 Isoalkane clean?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is generally low-sensitizing, but clean-beauty programs often flag it because it is petroleum-derived and can carry hydrocarbon purity expectations. It has more standards friction than simple plant oils, fatty alcohols, or glycerin-type materials.

Question 3

Is C13-14 Isoparaffin/C13-14 Isoalkane sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is usually made from fossil feedstocks and is not a strong fit for renewable-sourcing goals. Branched saturated hydrocarbons tend to biodegrade more slowly than many plant-derived esters or alcohols, which adds environmental persistence concerns.

Question 4

Is C13-14 Isoparaffin/C13-14 Isoalkane COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is not aligned with COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic ingredient principles because it is a petrochemical hydrocarbon rather than an approved natural-origin material. From a Green Chemistry view, its drawbacks are nonrenewable sourcing and slower biodegradation, even though it is chemically stable and typically used at modest levels.

Question 5

How does C13-14 Isoparaffin/C13-14 Isoalkane work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule profile is a mixture of highly branched, saturated hydrocarbons, mainly in the 13 to 14 carbon range, which gives a dry, fast-spreading skin feel and good compatibility with lipophilic ingredients. It is water-insoluble, pH-independent, oxidation-resistant, and commonly used as a carrier or solvent phase in anhydrous products, emulsions, and polymer-thickened gels.