C13-15 Alkanes ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a lightweight emollient and solvent that improves spread, slip, and dry-down in skin care, makeup, sun care, and hair care. It helps disperse pigments, filters, fragrance components, and oils without a heavy or greasy feel.
What does C13-15 Alkanes do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a lightweight emollient and solvent that improves spread, slip, and dry-down in skin care, makeup, sun care, and hair care. It helps disperse pigments, filters, fragrance components, and oils without a heavy or greasy feel.
Is C13-15 Alkanes clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low-sensitizing, non-fragrance, and not a common restricted-list trigger. The main diligence point is source transparency, since the same listing can cover renewable or petrochemical supply.
Is C13-15 Alkanes sustainable?
It can be made from fermented plant sugars or from fossil feedstocks, so supplier documentation matters. Renewable grades have a stronger sustainability profile and are typically readily biodegradable, with less environmental persistence than many silicone fluids.
Is C13-15 Alkanes COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when sourced and processed according to the standard, especially from renewable fermentation routes. Its Green Chemistry fit is strongest when the route uses renewable carbon, catalytic hydrogenation, and a readily biodegradable end material.
How does C13-15 Alkanes work chemically?
This material is a mixture of low-molecular-weight, saturated, nonpolar carbon chains, which explains its high spreadability, low tack, and compatibility with lipophilic ingredients. Use levels commonly range from about 1 to 20% in skin care, makeup, and hair care, and it is essentially pH-independent, oxidation-resistant, and often paired with esters, plant oils, waxes, or film formers to tune slip and dry-down.
Last updated 2026-05-16