C13-15 Alkane ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a lightweight emollient and solvent that improves slip, spread, and pigment or active dispersion. It is often used to give formulas a dry, silicone-like skin feel without adding heavy occlusion.
What does C13-15 Alkane do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a lightweight emollient and solvent that improves slip, spread, and pigment or active dispersion. It is often used to give formulas a dry, silicone-like skin feel without adding heavy occlusion.
Is C13-15 Alkane clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low-odor, well-tolerated, and not a common allergen or sensitizer. The main point of scrutiny is source transparency, since its standing is better when made from approved renewable feedstocks rather than petroleum-derived inputs.
Is C13-15 Alkane sustainable?
This material can be made from renewable plant-derived feedstocks through fermentation and further processing, but it can also be petroleum-derived depending on supplier. It is not expected to bioaccumulate strongly, and lighter grades are typically more biodegradable than persistent silicone fluids.
Is C13-15 Alkane COSMOS-approved?
It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural when sourced and processed through approved natural-origin routes, while petroleum-derived versions would not align as well. Its Green Chemistry profile is strongest when the supply chain uses renewable feedstock, efficient processing, and good biodegradability documentation.
How does C13-15 Alkane work chemically?
This compound is a saturated, nonpolar hydrocarbon blend with carbon-chain lengths in the low-teens range, giving it low polarity, low reactivity, and a light dry-touch sensory profile. It is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges because it does not hydrolyze, and it is commonly used in anhydrous oils, emulsions, makeup, hair serums, and sunscreens where fast spread and low greasiness are needed.
Last updated 2026-05-13