Isohexadecane is a synthetic, branched-chain hydrocarbon used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations as an emollient and solvent. It is valued for its smooth spreading properties, lightweight sensory profile and ability to improve the feel and application of cosmetic products. It is used in selected moisturizers, foundations, concealers, lip products, makeup removers, sunscreens and hair-care formulations.
In cosmetic applications, Isohexadecane can help reduce the heavy or greasy feel associated with some oil-phase ingredients. It provides lubrication and slip, allowing products to spread smoothly across the skin or hair. It can also help dissolve or carry compatible oil-soluble ingredients, depending on the formulation.
Isohexadecane belongs to the isoparaffin family. Although it is related to other hydrocarbon ingredients such as Isododecane, Mineral Oil and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, these materials have different physical characteristics and should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
Swapnroop provides product information to support cosmetic manufacturers, personal-care formulators and bulk ingredient purchasers evaluating Isohexadecane for their formulation requirements. The exact commercial grade, ingredient identity, purity and technical documentation should be verified before use.
Isohexadecane is a branched-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon with 16 carbon atoms. It is commonly associated with hydrogenated tetraisobutylene-derived material in cosmetic ingredient references. Commercial definitions and identifiers should be checked against the supplied grade.
Unlike vegetable oils, Isohexadecane is not a triglyceride oil and does not contain a conventional fatty-acid profile. Its cosmetic performance is associated with its hydrocarbon structure, low water solubility and emollient and solvent characteristics.
It is generally supplied as a clear, colourless liquid and is incorporated into suitable oil-based or solvent-based formulations. Its spreadability and sensory characteristics can make it useful in products designed to provide a smooth, lightweight finish.
CAS identifiers commonly associated with Isohexadecane include 93685-80-4, 4390-04-9 and 60908-77-2. The appropriate identifier and corresponding EC number must be confirmed against the supplier's formal ingredient declaration and current technical documentation.
Isohexadecane helps lubricate the skin surface and improve the smoothness and sensory characteristics of cosmetic formulations. It can contribute to a soft, silky feel without the heavier sensation associated with some more viscous oils.
Isohexadecane can dissolve or carry compatible lipophilic ingredients in a formulation. Its solvent function depends on the solubility of the other components and the specific grade used.
Its physical characteristics can help cosmetic products spread evenly across the skin. This is useful in foundations, concealers, moisturizers and other formulations where smooth application is desirable.
Isohexadecane can help reduce the perception of heaviness in selected oil-containing products. The final sensory result depends on the concentration, formulation balance and combination of other emollients.
Isohexadecane may be used in selected cleansing products and makeup removers to help dissolve compatible oily cosmetic materials. Performance depends on the complete solvent system and the type of makeup being removed.
Isohexadecane can influence glide, surface feel and product application. Formulators should assess the finished product rather than assume that the ingredient will produce the same sensory effect at every concentration.
Isohexadecane is a synthetic hydrocarbon material with a branched molecular structure. Its physical properties depend on the specific material definition and commercial grade.
Key characteristics include:
Isohexadecane does not have a fatty-acid profile because it is not a fixed vegetable oil. Fatty-acid composition and saponification value are not normally appropriate defining tests for this ingredient.
Isohexadecane may be incorporated into moisturizers, creams, lotions and serums to improve spreadability and skin feel. Compatibility with the emulsifier system and other oil-phase ingredients should be assessed.
In decorative cosmetics, Isohexadecane can help improve glide and distribution across the skin. Its compatibility with pigments, silicones, film-forming materials and other ingredients should be confirmed during formulation development.
Suitable formulations may use Isohexadecane to improve application and sensory characteristics in selected lip products. The final gloss, adhesion and wear properties depend on the complete formula.
Isohexadecane can be included in cleansing and makeup-removal products where a hydrocarbon-based solvent is suitable. Evaluate removal efficiency, rinsability and compatibility with the other cleansing ingredients.
Isohexadecane may be considered as an emollient or solvent in selected sun-care formulations. Finished-product performance, ingredient compatibility and the relevant product testing requirements must be evaluated independently.
Selected hair-care products may use Isohexadecane to improve spreading, lubrication and surface feel. Formulators should evaluate residue, distribution and compatibility with the remaining ingredients.
Isohexadecane can be considered for compatible deodorant and personal-care formulations where its emollient or solvent properties are useful. Suitability depends on the product format and the specific grade.
Grade verification: Confirm the ingredient identity, CAS number, EC number and cosmetic-grade suitability from the supplier's documentation.
Compatibility: Test compatibility with esters, silicones, waxes, pigments, oils, film-forming materials and other formulation ingredients.
Concentration: Determine the appropriate use level through supplier guidance and formulation testing. No single concentration applies to all cosmetic products.
Emulsion stability: When used in creams or lotions, evaluate the emulsifier system, oil-phase balance and physical stability.
Sensory testing: Assess spreadability, slip, greasiness, residue and application uniformity in the finished product.
Solvent performance: Confirm that the selected grade dissolves or carries the intended formulation components without causing instability or undesirable changes in appearance.
Quality documentation: Obtain the current COA, TDS and SDS, including the applicable identity, purity and physical-property specifications.
Storage and handling: Store in a compatible, tightly closed container under supplier-recommended conditions. Follow the SDS for handling and storage precautions.
Finished-product evaluation: Conduct appropriate stability, packaging compatibility and product safety assessments before commercial release.
These ingredients are hydrocarbon-based cosmetic materials, but their molecular structures and physical characteristics differ.
The appropriate ingredient depends on the desired spreading behaviour, volatility, residual feel, solvent requirements and finished-product performance. Substitution should be supported by formulation testing and supplier documentation.
Isohexadecane is used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations where emolliency, smooth spreading and solvent functionality are required. It can be considered for moisturizers, makeup, cleansing products and selected hair-care preparations.
Swapnroop provides product information to support ingredient evaluation and bulk procurement discussions. Buyers should confirm the exact INCI identity, CAS and EC identifiers, purity requirements and intended-use suitability against the supplier's current technical documentation before placing an order.
1. What is Isohexadecane used for in cosmetics?
Isohexadecane is used primarily as an emollient, skin-conditioning ingredient and solvent in selected skin-care products, makeup, cleansing products and hair-care formulations.
2. What is the INCI name of Isohexadecane?
The INCI name is Isohexadecane.
3. Is Isohexadecane soluble in water?
No. Isohexadecane is practically insoluble in water and is generally used in compatible oil-based or solvent-based formulation systems.
4. What is the CAS number of Isohexadecane?
CAS 93685-80-4 is commonly referenced for Isohexadecane. Other identifiers, including 4390-04-9 and 60908-77-2, also appear in ingredient references. Confirm the correct identifier against the exact commercial grade.
5. Is Isohexadecane a natural oil?
No. It is a synthetic branched-chain hydrocarbon, not a vegetable oil or a triglyceride-based ingredient.
6. Can Isohexadecane be used in makeup products?
Yes. Suitable grades may be used in foundations, concealers, lip products and makeup removers to improve spreadability, skin feel or solvent performance.
7. What is the difference between Isohexadecane and Isododecane?
Both are branched-chain hydrocarbons, but Isohexadecane is associated with a C16 hydrocarbon structure, while Isododecane is associated with C12 hydrocarbons. Their volatility and formulation behaviour differ.
8. Which specifications should be checked before purchasing Isohexadecane?
Review identity, appearance, purity, density, viscosity where specified, and other grade-specific quality parameters. Confirm the test methods and acceptance limits from the current COA and TDS.
9. How should Isohexadecane be stored?
Store it in a suitable, tightly closed container and follow the supplier's TDS and SDS for storage, handling and shelf-life requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |