Isoparaffin ●
TL;DR. This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight emollient and solvent, helping dissolve oil-soluble ingredients while improving spread and reducing a heavy greasy feel.
What does Isoparaffin do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight emollient and solvent, helping dissolve oil-soluble ingredients while improving spread and reducing a heavy greasy feel.
Is Isoparaffin clean?
Clean-beauty frameworks often flag it for petrochemical origin rather than for frequent sensitization, since highly refined grades are typically low-irritation. The main quality caveat is control of residual aromatic impurities and use in formulas where volatile organic compound concerns may apply.
Is Isoparaffin sustainable?
This material is usually derived from petroleum, so it does not align well with renewable sourcing. Biodegradability varies by chain length and branching, and lighter fractions can volatilize during use.
Is Isoparaffin COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted in COSMOS natural or organic products because it is a synthetic petrochemical material. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited by fossil feedstock and weak circularity, despite good chemical stability and low reactivity in formulas.
How does Isoparaffin work chemically?
This material is a mixture of nonpolar, fully saturated, branched carbon-chain liquids, which gives it high slip, low odor in refined grades, and strong compatibility with oils and waxes. Use levels range from a few percent in emulsions to much higher levels in anhydrous makeup or hair products, and it is pH-inert, oxidation-resistant, and not water-soluble.
Last updated 2026-05-16