C21-28 Alkane ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is an emollient and lightweight oil-phase solvent that improves slip, spreadability, and cushion in creams, sunscreens, makeup, and hair products. It can also help disperse pigments and oil-soluble actives.
What does C21-28 Alkane do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is an emollient and lightweight oil-phase solvent that improves slip, spreadability, and cushion in creams, sunscreens, makeup, and hair products. It can also help disperse pigments and oil-soluble actives.
Is C21-28 Alkane clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low-odor, non-sensitizing, and low-irritation, with little allergen concern. Its standing depends mainly on source and certification status, since some standards distinguish plant-derived versions from petroleum-derived hydrocarbon materials.
Is C21-28 Alkane sustainable?
This material may be made from renewable plant feedstocks or from petrochemical feedstocks, so sourcing documentation matters. It is expected to biodegrade more readily than silicone fluids, but its low water solubility and hydrocarbon nature make origin and lifecycle impact the main sustainability questions.
Is C21-28 Alkane COSMOS-approved?
It may be acceptable in COSMOS-style formulas only when the feedstock and processing meet natural-origin criteria, while petrochemical versions do not align well with COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic expectations. From a Green Chemistry view, the best case is a renewable, hydrogenated feedstock with good biodegradability and minimal residual processing aids.
How does C21-28 Alkane work chemically?
This compound is a mixture of saturated, nonpolar hydrocarbon molecules with 21 to 28 carbon atoms, giving it high oxidative stability and a dry-to-silky emollient feel. It is anhydrous, pH-independent, and typically used in the oil phase, where it is compatible with esters, waxes, pigments, UV filters, and many lipophilic actives.
Last updated 2026-05-14