C13-C14 Alkane

TL;DR. This ingredient is used as a lightweight emollient and sensory solvent, helping spread oils, pigments, sunscreen filters, and actives while leaving a dry, silky finish.

What does C13-C14 Alkane do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is used as a lightweight emollient and sensory solvent, helping spread oils, pigments, sunscreen filters, and actives while leaving a dry, silky finish.

Is C13-C14 Alkane clean?

From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low-irritation, non-fragrant, and not a common allergen. The main scrutiny is source and impurity control, since some grades are renewable-derived while others may be petrochemical-derived.

Is C13-C14 Alkane sustainable?

This material can be made from plant-derived feedstocks or fossil feedstocks, so its sustainability profile depends heavily on the supplier. Short-chain saturated hydrocarbons in this range are generally more biodegradable than persistent silicone fluids, but sourcing transparency matters.

Is C13-C14 Alkane COSMOS-approved?

It can align with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulations when it is made from renewable raw materials using accepted processing, but petrochemical grades do not fit the same way. From a Green Chemistry view, the better case is a renewable, readily biodegradable grade with minimal residual solvents or catalysts.

How does C13-C14 Alkane work chemically?

The molecule is a saturated, nonpolar hydrocarbon, which explains its low reactivity, low odor, and ability to dissolve lipophilic materials. It is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges, resists oxidation better than unsaturated oils, and is typically used as a partial or full replacement for volatile silicone carriers in anhydrous, emulsion, makeup, and sun-care systems.

Last updated 2026-05-13