Undecane⁶ ●
TL;DR. This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight emollient and solvent, giving formulas a dry, fast-spreading feel. It is often used to reduce greasiness in oils, sunscreens, and makeup bases.
What does Undecane⁶ do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient functions mainly as a lightweight emollient and solvent, giving formulas a dry, fast-spreading feel. It is often used to reduce greasiness in oils, sunscreens, and makeup bases.
Is Undecane⁶ clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low-allergen and low-irritation, with little sensitization concern in typical cosmetic use. The main scrutiny is source-related, since the same material can be made from renewable or petroleum feedstocks.
Is Undecane⁶ sustainable?
This material can be bio-based or petroleum-derived, so its sustainability profile depends heavily on supplier documentation. It is a volatile, readily biodegradable hydrocarbon, but renewable sourcing and responsible agricultural feedstocks improve its overall profile.
Is Undecane⁶ COSMOS-approved?
It can align with COSMOS-natural when made from permitted renewable feedstocks through accepted processing, but petroleum-derived versions do not fit the standard. From a Green Chemistry view, the stronger case is renewable sourcing, simple chemistry, and biodegradability, while volatility and feedstock uncertainty keep it from a clear green rating.
How does Undecane⁶ work chemically?
The molecule is a straight-chain, saturated C11 hydrocarbon with no functional groups, which explains its low polarity, high spreadability, and silicone-like slip. It is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges, resistant to oxidation compared with unsaturated oils, and commonly blended with other light emollients to tune volatility and skin feel.
Last updated 2026-05-13