C15-19 Alkane at a Glance
- Lightweight emollient from the hydrocarbon family
- Most often used in place of silicones or mineral oil
- Lends a lightweight, velvety-soft finish to cosmetics
- Helps to disperse UV filters
C15-19 Alkane Description
C15-19 alkane is a synthetic solvent belonging to the hydrocarbon group of chemicals. Alkanes comprise a large group of hydrocarbons, which are molecules composed of carbon and hydrogen. These highly stable cosmetic ingredients have emollient and aesthetic properties similar to various silicones and mineral oil. As such, they’re often used as alternatives for brands opting to avoid such ingredients.
Along with lending emollient properties and a lightweight, velvety-soft finish, C15-19 alkane is also used to help disperse the mineral UV filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
This ingredient is sometimes used in blends, including those that contain silicones as well as various film-forming ingredients and emulsifiers, where it contributes not just to product texture but also aids stability.
In hair care, it is added to formulas with the goal being smoothness and shine.
As of this writing, we could not find information on maximum permitted usage levels for this ingredient; however, typical amounts used in cosmetics are from 0.5–25%, depending on aesthetic and other formulary goals.
C15-19 Alkane References
Molecules, November 2020, pages 1–18
Oilseeds & Fats, Crops and Lipids, September-October 2018, pages 1–12