Isoeicosane ●
TL;DR. This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight emollient and nonpolar solvent, helping pigments, waxes, and film formers spread smoothly while reducing a greasy feel.
What does Isoeicosane do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight emollient and nonpolar solvent, helping pigments, waxes, and film formers spread smoothly while reducing a greasy feel.
Is Isoeicosane clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it has friction because it is a synthetic hydrocarbon rather than a biologically derived or naturally processed material. Skin irritation potential is generally low, but its petrochemical profile and limited clean-standard alignment keep it from being broadly unproblematic.
Is Isoeicosane sustainable?
This material is typically petroleum-derived and is not a strong fit for renewable-sourcing goals. As a branched saturated hydrocarbon, it is expected to biodegrade more slowly than many plant-derived esters or oils and may show environmental persistence concerns.
Is Isoeicosane COSMOS-approved?
This ingredient is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because it is a synthetic petrochemical hydrocarbon. Its Green Chemistry alignment is limited by nonrenewable feedstock and weaker biodegradability, although it is chemically stable and usually used without reactive byproducts in finished formulas.
How does Isoeicosane work chemically?
The molecule is a highly branched, saturated C20 hydrocarbon, so it is nonpolar, oxidation-resistant, and compatible with oils, waxes, esters, and many film-forming systems. It is used in anhydrous products, color cosmetics, and long-wear formats at variable levels depending on the desired slip, payoff, and residue profile.
Last updated 2026-05-13