C18-50 Isoalkane is a synthetic, high-purity branched hydrocarbon mixture. It is used as a versatile emollient, solvent, and sensory enhancer in cosmetics. It provides a luxurious, silky-smooth feel with excellent spreadability, a dry-powdery after-touch, and non-greasy texture. This clear, colorless liquid serves as a sustainable, silicone-free alternative to squalane, volatile silicones (e.g., cyclopentasiloxane), and other emollients. It is popular in facial moisturizers, body lotions, sunscreens, primers, foundations, hair care, and makeup for enhanced glide, reduced tackiness, and elegant sensorial properties in clean beauty and natural-leaning formulations.
Products with C18-50 ISOALKANE
With samples available
Shell Silk Alkane G10
by Shell Lubricants
- Recently launched
- Sustainable option
- Support available
Shell Silk Alkane G18
by Shell Lubricants
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
What is C18-50 ISOALKANE used for?
- Emollient / Skin conditioning: Softens skin with a rich yet lightweight, velvety finish. Frequently used in creams, lotions, serums, and sunscreens for non-oily hydration and smooth application.
- Solvent & dispersant: Dissolves and disperses lipophilic actives, UV filters, pigments, and fragrances evenly. Ideal in color cosmetics, tinted products, and protective formulations for uniform distribution.
- Texture enhancer / Bulking: Reduces greasiness, improves spreadability, provides a powdery touch, and can act as a bulking agent in powders. Common in primers, deodorants, hair products, and pressed powders for luxurious feel and stability.
Origin
C18-50 Isoalkane is produced synthetically through controlled oligomerization or hydrotreatment of hydrocarbon fractions, yielding branched isoalkanes in the C18-C50 range. Commercial grades emphasize high purity, ready biodegradability, and sustainable sourcing (often from renewable feedstocks or low-impact processes). It is designed as a vegan-verified, silicone-free alternative to squalane and other emollients, combining sensory elegance with functional performance.
What does C18-50 ISOALKANE do in a formulation?
SOLVENT|
BINDING|
BULKING|
EMOLLIENT|
SKIN CONDITIONINGSafety Profile
C18-50 Isoalkane is considered safe for cosmetic use, with a low hazard rating from EWG (typically 1) and minimal concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity. It is non-comedogenic, well-tolerated across skin types (including sensitive). It poses low risk at typical concentrations (up to 20-30%). As a hydrocarbon mixture, it is inert with low absorption. Related isoalkanes have been assessed as safe when formulated to be non-irritating. Approved by EU COSING for emollient, solvent, binding, bulking, and dispersing non-surfactant functions in rinse-off and leave-on products.
C18-50 ISOALKANE alternatives
C18-50 ISOALKANE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | ~300-400 °C (Depending on exact isomer distribution) |
| Melting Point | < -20°C |
| pH | Neutral |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in oils, esters, and silicones |
| Viscosity | Low to medium |
Formulations with C18-50 ISOALKANE
No data available
By Application
No data available