tetradecane ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonpolar solvent and lightweight emollient used to improve slip, spreadability, and the feel of oil phases. It can help dissolve lipophilic fragrance components, oils, and some actives.
What does tetradecane do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a nonpolar solvent and lightweight emollient used to improve slip, spreadability, and the feel of oil phases. It can help dissolve lipophilic fragrance components, oils, and some actives.
Is tetradecane clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low in skin sensitization concern, but it has friction because it is usually fossil-derived and not aligned with many natural-standard ingredient rules. It is not a common clean-standard restricted-list trigger on irritation grounds, the concern is mainly origin and standard compatibility.
Is tetradecane sustainable?
This material is commonly sourced from petroleum streams or petrochemical processing, though bio-based routes are technically possible. Straight-chain saturated hydrocarbons of this size can biodegrade under aerobic conditions, but sourcing and aquatic release still matter for its environmental profile.
Is tetradecane COSMOS-approved?
It is generally not permitted under COSMOS-organic or COSMOS-natural when sourced as a petrochemical hydrocarbon. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited by fossil feedstock and refining dependence, even though the molecule is relatively simple and can be broken down by microbes under suitable conditions.
How does tetradecane work chemically?
It is a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon with 14 carbon atoms, making it highly nonpolar, water-insoluble, and compatible with oils, waxes, silicones, and many lipophilic materials. It is chemically stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges because it has no hydrolyzable functional groups, and its main degradation pathway is slow oxidation under heat, light, or strong oxidizing conditions.
Last updated 2026-05-13