C13-15 Alkane is a lightweight hydrocarbon-based cosmetic ingredient used primarily as an emollient and solvent in skincare, haircare, makeup, sun-care and personal-care formulations. It is valued for its smooth spreading behaviour and ability to improve the sensory profile of finished products.
The INCI name C13-15 Alkane describes a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons with carbon-chain lengths in the C13 to C15 range. Depending on the commercial grade and manufacturing route, the composition and physical characteristics may vary.
C13-15 Alkane is often selected when a formulator wants a lightweight, silky, less oily application feel. It can help improve product spreadability and may be used as a carrier for compatible oil-soluble ingredients. It is also used in selected haircare formulations where smooth application and a lightweight finish are desired.
The ingredient is sometimes marketed as hemisqualane, although trade names and commercial compositions should always be checked against the supplier's documentation. C13-15 Alkane should not be confused with Squalane, which is a different ingredient with a different molecular structure and physical profile.
C13-15 Alkane is a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons. Alkanes contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, and the numbers in the INCI name indicate the range of carbon-chain lengths represented in the mixture.
In cosmetic formulations, C13-15 Alkane functions primarily as an emollient and solvent. It can contribute to slip, spreadability and a smooth after-feel while helping dissolve or carry selected compatible materials.
The ingredient is generally oil-compatible and is commonly incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions or into anhydrous products. Its precise performance depends on the grade, formulation composition and processing conditions.
C13-15 Alkane may be produced from different feedstocks and manufacturing routes. Do not assume a particular plant-derived origin, renewable content, certification or refining history unless the supplier provides supporting documentation.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | C13-15 Alkane |
| INCI Name | C13-15 Alkane |
| Chemical Class | Saturated hydrocarbon mixture |
| Chemical Description | Mixture of alkanes with carbon-chain lengths ranging from C13 to C15 |
| Common Market Name | Hemisqualane may be used for certain commercial grades |
| CAS Number | 64742-46-7 and 3891-98-3 are listed in cosmetic ingredient references; verify the supplied grade |
| EC / EINECS Identifiers | 934-954-2 and 622-542-2 are listed in some references; confirm against the product documentation |
| Molecular Formula | Mixture-dependent |
| Molecular Weight | Composition-dependent |
| Physical State | Typically liquid |
| Appearance | Commonly clear and colourless; grade-specific |
| Water Solubility | Generally insoluble in water; confirm the grade's technical data |
| Primary Cosmetic Function | Emollient |
| Additional Function | Solvent |
| Product Category | Cosmetic Ingredient |
Identity note: C13-15 Alkane describes a mixture rather than one single chemical compound. CAS and EC identifiers can vary according to the material's composition and source. Use the supplier's current COA, TDS and safety documentation to establish the exact identity of the purchased grade.
C13-15 Alkane is used as an emollient to improve the skin feel of cosmetic formulations. It contributes lubrication and can help leave the skin feeling smooth and soft after application.
The ingredient is often selected for formulations that require a lightweight, silky finish. Its effect on greasiness, slip and after-feel depends on the concentration and the other emollients in the formulation.
C13-15 Alkane can help cosmetic products spread evenly across the skin or hair. This can be useful in creams, lotions, makeup products, serums and haircare formulations.
It can function as a solvent or carrier for selected compatible ingredients. Solubility should be tested using the actual material, concentration and formulation conditions.
C13-15 Alkane may help adjust the texture and application characteristics of an oil phase. It can be considered when a formulator wants to balance glide, spreadability and the final sensory profile.
In suitable haircare formulations, C13-15 Alkane can contribute to smooth application and help reduce the heavy feel associated with some richer oil systems. Finished-product performance should be confirmed through formulation trials.
C13-15 Alkane may be evaluated in:
C13-15 Alkane may serve as an emollient or carrier in suitable sun-care products. Its presence does not itself establish UV protection or a finished product's SPF.
Application suitability depends on the exact grade, formulation design and intended finished-product performance.
C13-15 Alkane is generally incorporated into an oil phase or suitable anhydrous formulation. Follow the processing recommendations for the selected grade and evaluate compatibility with the other ingredients.
C13-15 Alkane is generally considered oil-compatible rather than water-soluble. Water-containing formulations normally require a suitable emulsification system to maintain uniform distribution and physical stability.
The appropriate concentration depends on the application, desired texture, target sensory profile and the other materials in the formula. Establish the use level through formulation trials and supplier recommendations.
If C13-15 Alkane is used as a solvent or carrier, test the solubility of the intended ingredient under actual formulation conditions. Do not assume it will dissolve every oil-soluble material.
Assess compatibility with esters, vegetable oils, waxes, emulsifiers, silicones, fragrances, pigments and other formulation materials. Test for separation, haze, changes in viscosity and other relevant effects.
Evaluate the finished product for appearance, odour, viscosity, phase separation and other relevant changes under suitable stability conditions. For sun-care products, assess the performance of the complete UV-filter system through appropriate testing.
Relevant quality parameters may include appearance, odour, density, refractive index, viscosity, distillation range and other grade-specific tests. The applicable tests and acceptance limits should be established from the current COA and TDS.
If plant-derived feedstock, renewable content or particular sustainability attributes are important, request supporting documentation for the actual grade. Do not infer origin or certification from the INCI name alone.
Store in a tightly closed, compatible container under the supplier-recommended conditions. Review the product's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for handling, storage, ventilation and spill-control requirements.
| Parameter | C13-15 Alkane | Squalane |
|---|---|---|
| INCI Name | C13-15 Alkane | Squalane |
| Chemical Class | Mixture of saturated hydrocarbons | A defined saturated hydrocarbon |
| Composition | Mixture of C13–C15 alkanes | Squalane molecule |
| Cosmetic Function | Emollient and solvent | Emollient and skin conditioning |
| Sensory Profile | Often selected for a lightweight, silky feel | Often selected for smooth emolliency |
| Molecular Characteristics | Composition-dependent | Defined molecular structure |
| Selection Considerations | Grade composition, spreadability and solvent performance | Grade purity, source and sensory performance |
Although these ingredients may be used for related cosmetic purposes, they are not identical or automatically interchangeable. Selection should be based on formulation needs and the technical documentation for each material.
Swapnroop supports cosmetic ingredient procurement requirements for manufacturers and formulation businesses developing skincare, haircare, makeup, sun-care and personal-care products.
C13-15 Alkane can be considered where a lightweight hydrocarbon emollient or compatible solvent is required. Buyers should verify the INCI identity, CAS number, grade, composition, origin claims, specification limits and batch documentation before purchase.
For production use, evaluate compatibility, stability and finished-product performance in the intended formulation.
C13-15 Alkane is a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons with carbon-chain lengths in the C13 to C15 range. It is used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient and solvent.
The INCI name is C13-15 Alkane.
Cosmetic ingredient references list 64742-46-7 and 3891-98-3 for C13-15 Alkane. Confirm the correct identifier for the specific commercial grade using its technical documentation.
It is used as an emollient and solvent in skincare, haircare, makeup, sun-care and personal-care formulations.
It is generally oil-compatible and insoluble in water. Confirm the relevant properties against the supplier's TDS.
Hemisqualane is a market name associated with certain C13-15 Alkane grades. Confirm the exact INCI identity and composition of a product rather than relying on the trade name alone.
No. C13-15 Alkane is a mixture of hydrocarbons, while Squalane is a distinct ingredient with a defined molecular structure.
It can be evaluated in hair serums, conditioning products, styling products and other haircare formulations where spreadability and a lightweight finish are desired.
It may be used as an emollient or carrier in suitable sun-care formulations. The finished product's UV protection must be established through appropriate formulation and SPF testing.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |