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Skincare Ingredient

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C13-15 Alkane

In Skincare: Is C13-15 Alkane Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
1/5 — Very low risk
Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Inert emollient/solvent (often plant-derived); CIR/EWG indicate low toxicity and low irritation/sensitization; generally non-comedogenic though very oily skin may vary. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated C13-15 Alkane and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a low hazard score based on available toxicological data.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    C13-15 Alkane functions as a solvent derived from a mixture of alkanes.

  • 02

    This ingredient is frequently incorporated into formulations to improve texture, providing a lightweight and non-greasy sensation.

  • 03

    C13-15 Alkane imparts a silky and soft feel to the skin’s surface.

  • 04

    Due to its compatibility with UV filters, C13-15 Alkane is a common component in sunscreen formulations.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

C13-15 alkane is a synthetic ingredient composed of alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons similar to those found in mineral oil and paraffin. It functions as a solvent and texture enhancer, imparting a smooth, silky feel while remaining lightweight and non-greasy on the skin. This ingredient is often used in skincare to create elegant textures, improve UV filter performance in sunscreens, and effectively remove makeup. It also enhances spreadability and provides a soft feel in hair care products.
Classifications
Solvent

Role of C13-15 Alkane

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SOLVENT

Ingredient Dissolver

Dissolves 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 C13-15 Alkane

597 formulations
Insolution Milk Peel Cleanse Balm
Insolution Milk Peel Cleanse Balm
LEADERS · cleanser
Crema Idratante Purificante
Crema Idratante Purificante
Cera di Cupra · moisturizer
All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare · sunscreen

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Personalcarecouncil.org, Accessed October 2021, ePublication

[2]

ULProspector.com, Accessed October 2021, ePublication

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

C13-15 Alkane — common questions

What is C13-15 Alkane in skincare?

C13-15 Alkane is a mixture of alkanes with 13 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain

What does C13-15 Alkane do? / Functions of C13-15 Alkane?

Common functions: SOLVENT.

What is the comedogenic rating of C13-15 Alkane? / Is C13-15 Alkane comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

C13-15 Alkane has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

C13-15 Alkane is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

Is C13-15 Alkane safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

C13-15 Alkane has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Inert emollient/solvent (often plant-derived); CIR/EWG indicate low toxicity and low irritation/sensitization; generally non-comedogenic though very oily skin may vary. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review

Is C13-15 Alkane good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

C13-15 Alkane 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 C13-15 Alkane in skincare?

Known considerations: Inert emollient/solvent (often plant-derived); CIR/EWG indicate low toxicity and low irritation/sensitization; generally non-comedogenic though very oily skin may vary. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated C13-15 Alkane and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a low hazard score based on available toxicological data.

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