Skincare Ingredient
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C13-14 Isoparaffin
In Skincare: Is C13-14 Isoparaffin Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
C13-14 Isoparaffin, a petroleum-derived ingredient with a waxy texture, functions as an emollient in cosmetic formulations.
- 02
This ingredient serves as a solvent and texture enhancer, promoting cohesive blending of ingredients in cosmetics.
- 03
C13-14 Isoparaffin is frequently combined with polyacrylamide and laureth-7 to formulate non-tacky gel products.
- 04
The CIR Expert Panel considers C13-14 Isoparaffin safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 75%.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in C13-14 Isoparaffin
Role of C13-14 Isoparaffin
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
Skin SoftenerSoftens and smooths skin by filling gaps between cells
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Emollient ingredients create smooth, soft skin by filling spaces between corneocytes in stratum corneum. These include esters (isopropyl palmitate), oils (jojoba, argan), fatty alcohols, and silicones. The mechanism involves spreading on skin surface, filling microscopic irregularities, and creating lubricious film. Effects are immediate tactile improvement and visual smoothing. Emolliency measured by spreading coefficient and skin feel assessments.
SOLVENT
Ingredient DissolverDissolves other ingredients to create uniform formulations
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Solvents dissolve, dilute, or disperse other ingredients creating homogeneous solutions. Water is universal solvent for hydrophilic ingredients. Organic solvents include ethanol (dissolves fragrances, some actives), propylene glycol, and glycerin. Selection based on polarity matching between solvent and solute. Mechanism involves disrupting intermolecular forces in solute and surrounding with solvent molecules. Critical for maintaining ingredient solubility and product stability.
Products
containing C13-14 Isoparaffin
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References
Scientific sources
CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed September 2021, ePublication
International Journal of Toxicology, January 2013, pages 269S-295S
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
C13-14 Isoparaffin — common questions
What is C13-14 Isoparaffin in skincare?
C13-14 Isoparaffin is a mixture of branched-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons. The “C” followed by numbers indicates the number of carbon atoms in the chain – for example, C13-14 Isoparaffin contains a mixture of hydrocarbons with 13 or 14 carbon atoms. Isoparaffins are commonly found in cosmetic and personal care products, including eye makeup (like mascara), makeup, manicuring preparations, skin care, and hair care products.
What does C13-14 Isoparaffin do? / Functions of C13-14 Isoparaffin?
Common functions: SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SOLVENT.
What is the comedogenic rating of C13-14 Isoparaffin? / Is C13-14 Isoparaffin comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of C13-14 Isoparaffin has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether C13-14 Isoparaffin clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is C13-14 Isoparaffin safe for skin?
C13-14 Isoparaffin has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: May feel occlusive for some but no reliable comedogenic rating available. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), C13-14 Isoparaffin is considered safe for use in cosmetics at current pract
Is C13-14 Isoparaffin good for sensitive skin?
C13-14 Isoparaffin has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of C13-14 Isoparaffin in skincare?
Known considerations: May feel occlusive for some but no reliable comedogenic rating available. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), C13-14 Isoparaffin is considered safe for use in cosmetics at current practices and concentrations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a low hazard score, indicating minimal concern for health risks.