Hydrogenated Farnesene\ ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a lightweight emollient and solvent-like carrier that improves slip, spreadability, and a dry skin feel in creams, oils, makeup, sunscreen, and hair products.
What does Hydrogenated Farnesene\ do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a lightweight emollient and solvent-like carrier that improves slip, spreadability, and a dry skin feel in creams, oils, makeup, sunscreen, and hair products.
Is Hydrogenated Farnesene\ clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and not a common restricted-list concern. The main scrutiny is traceable sourcing and confirmation that processing residues are well controlled.
Is Hydrogenated Farnesene\ sustainable?
This material is commonly made from renewable sugarcane-derived fermentation feedstocks, followed by hydrogenation. It is considered readily biodegradable and has a lower persistence profile than many silicone fluids or petroleum-derived hydrocarbons used for a similar sensorial role.
Is Hydrogenated Farnesene\ COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when the supply chain and processing route meet the standard’s requirements. Its renewable feedstock, efficient fermentation route, and biodegradability give it good Green Chemistry alignment, though hydrogenation is still a chemical processing step.
How does Hydrogenated Farnesene\ work chemically?
The molecule is a branched, saturated C15 hydrocarbon with very low polarity, which explains its fast-spreading, lightweight emollient feel and compatibility with oils, waxes, esters, pigments, and many UV-filter systems. It is typically used around 1 to 20 percent depending on the product type, is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges because it is not water-reactive, and is more oxidation-resistant than unsaturated terpene-derived materials.
Last updated 2026-05-13