Tetradecene

TL;DR. This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight hydrocarbon emollient and solvent, helping spread lipophilic ingredients and reduce a greasy feel in skin, hair, and color cosmetic formulas.

What does Tetradecene do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight hydrocarbon emollient and solvent, helping spread lipophilic ingredients and reduce a greasy feel in skin, hair, and color cosmetic formulas.

Is Tetradecene clean?

From a clean-beauty perspective, it has friction because it is a synthetic hydrocarbon rather than a nature-derived cosmetic building block. It is generally expected to be low in sensitization potential, but clean standards may scrutinize petroleum origin, residual processing impurities, and limited skin-benefit rationale.

Is Tetradecene sustainable?

This material is typically made from petrochemical feedstocks, although bio-based routes are technically possible. It is expected to biodegrade more readily than many silicone fluids, but its high oil affinity and fossil sourcing weaken its sustainability profile.

Is Tetradecene COSMOS-approved?

It is not normally permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic because it is a synthetic hydrocarbon outside the standard’s allowed material categories. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited by nonrenewable sourcing, despite a relatively simple structure and likely biodegradability compared with more persistent film-forming fluids.

How does Tetradecene work chemically?

The molecule is a 14-carbon unsaturated hydrocarbon, so it is nonpolar, water-insoluble, and compatible with oils, waxes, esters, and many lipophilic actives. The double bond can make it more oxidation-prone than a fully saturated hydrocarbon, so formulas may need antioxidant support and packaging that limits air exposure.

Last updated 2026-05-14