Isohexadecane (Cosmetic Grade)

Isohexadecane is a branched, fully saturated C16 hydrocarbon emollient (INCI: isohexadecane; commonly the heptamethylnonane structure, CAS 4390-04-9, also registered under the broader isohexadecane CAS 60908-77-2). Because every carbon sits in a branched, saturated chain with no double bonds, it behaves very differently from a plant oil or an ester. It is light and dry on skin, leaves almost no greasy residue, and resists oxidation, which is the same chemistry that keeps it nearly odorless and color-stable over long shelf lives. Formulators reach for it when they want slip and a clean after-feel without the heaviness, tackiness, or rancidity risk of unsaturated oils.

Why branched and saturated matters

The performance comes straight from the structure. Branching keeps the molecule from packing tightly, so it spreads thin and feels light rather than dense like a straight-chain wax or a triglyceride. Full saturation (no C=C bonds) means little for oxygen to attack, so isohexadecane does not go rancid, stays low in odor, and holds color through heat and time. That oxidative stability is the practical edge over many natural emollient oils in formulas that must survive long distribution cycles or warm climates. The trade-off is honest: as a non-polar hydrocarbon it carries lipophilic actives and pigments well but does little to solubilize polar or water-soluble materials, so formulators pair it with a co-solvent or ester when polarity is needed.

Applications by sector

Skin care

In lotions, creams, and serums isohexadecane works as a light emollient and spreading aid. It thins the oil phase, improves glide on application, and dries down to a soft, non-greasy finish — useful in “fast-absorbing” or “non-oily” positioned products where a heavier emollient would feel occlusive. It is frequently used to take the tack out of formulas built on richer butters and esters.

Color cosmetics

This is one of its strongest roles. As a non-polar carrier it wets and disperses pigments evenly, which supports clean color payoff and reduces streaking in foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, and lip products. Its low volatility relative to isododecane and its good spreadability help long-wear and transfer-resistant systems lay down smoothly and blend without dragging. In stick and balm formats it contributes effortless glide.

Sun care

In sunscreens isohexadecane improves the spreadability of the oil phase, helping organic UV filters and dispersed inorganic filters lay down as an even, continuous film that supports uniform coverage. Its hydrophobic character supports water-resistant systems, and it cuts the heavy, greasy feel that high-SPF oil loads can leave. Any water-resistance or SPF performance is established by the finished formula and its own testing, not by a single raw material.

Cleansing oils, makeup removers, and micellar systems

As a light hydrocarbon solvent, isohexadecane dissolves long-wear makeup, sunscreen films, and sebum, making it a workhorse in cleansing oils, balms, biphasic eye-makeup removers, and the oil phase of some micellar systems. It lifts oil-soluble soil and rinses or wipes clean without the dragging feel of heavier oils.

Carrier and solvent

Across categories it serves as a diluent and vehicle for oil-soluble actives, fragrances, and pigment pastes, and as a viscosity-thinning component in the oil phase. Its low odor adds little of its own scent, which helps when a clean or precisely engineered fragrance profile matters.

Forms and grade

RawSource sources cosmetic-grade isohexadecane suitable for personal-care manufacturing, with identity and INCI conformity confirmed lot by lot. Exact purity, typical-value specifications, and INCI documentation are provided on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot supplied; we do not publish fixed specification numbers here because they are lot- and source-dependent. If your formulation requires a specific isomer profile, volatility band, or documentation set, specify it on your inquiry and we will source to match.

Handling

Isohexadecane is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid. Storage, handling, and personal protection are governed by the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the lot supplied, which we provide with each shipment. Confirm classification, compatibility, and suitability for your process and jurisdiction before use.

Bulk sourcing from RawSource

RawSource sources isohexadecane in bulk for personal-care manufacturers and contract formulators, in drums, IBC totes, and tanker quantities depending on volume and ship-to. We operate on an RFQ basis: send your target quantity, packaging, and destination, and we return a current quote with a CoA and SDS for the lot. Request a bulk quote.