C13-16 Isoparaffin

C13-16 Isoparaffin is a synthetic hydrocarbon solvent derived from mineral oil. It belongs to a class of ingredients called isoparaffins, which are branched-chain alkanes commonly used in cosmetic formulations to dissolve, suspend or carry other active ingredients.In skincare products, it functions primarily as a solvent — helping to keep actives in solution and improving the texture and spreadability of formulations. It is colourless, odourless and has a light, non-greasy feel.

C13-16 Isoparaffin works by dissolving lipophilic (oil-loving) ingredients, allowing them to be evenly incorporated into formulations. This prevents separation and ensures consistent delivery of actives across the product's shelf life.Because it is a volatile hydrocarbon, it evaporates relatively quickly from the skin after application, leaving behind the dissolved actives without a heavy residue.

C13-16 Isoparaffin is a processing ingredient rather than an active, so its effectiveness depends on the other actives in the formulation. There are no specific usage guidelines — use products containing this ingredient according to the manufacturer's instructions for the overall formulation.

C13-16 Isoparaffin is approved for use in cosmetics across the UK, EU and most other regulatory territories. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, though individuals prone to fungal acne may wish to patch test, as some users report potential sensitivity.