Isohexadecane

Isohexadecane is a cosmetic ingredient used as a skin conditioning - emollient, solvent agent. It appears in about 2% of cosmetic products in our 90,000+ product dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 12 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameISOHEXADECANE
FunctionSKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SOLVENT
CAS number4390-04-9, 60908-77-2, 93685-80-4
EC number224-506-8, -, 297-628-2
Prevalence1,948 products (2.1% of dataset)
Most used inSkincare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies12 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches1,000

Used in

General Moisturizers 15.8%Sunscreens 11%Makeup Removers 7.4%Serums 6.7%Eye Moisturizers 6%Body Lotions 3.3%

Frequently asked

What does Isohexadecane do in skincare?
Isohexadecane functions as a skin conditioning - emollient, solvent agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Isohexadecane allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Isohexadecane?
It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially general moisturizers (15.8% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Isohexadecane

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.