Lightweight plant-derived emollient from sugarcane or palm oil. Substitutes silicones and cyclomethicone – gives a dry, slippery feel without a film. Common near the top of INCI lists in sunscreens and lightweight creams. Non-comedogenic and pregnancy-safe.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional emollient with safety confirmed by CIR. Works via a physical mechanism – fills intercellular gaps and reduces TEWL. No standalone effects beyond emolliency.
C13-15 Alkane is a linear hydrocarbon with a chain length of 13 to 15 carbons, produced from renewable feedstock. Modern commercial grades (Cetiol Ultimate by BASF, Hemisqualane by Amyris) are made by fermenting sugarcane; older grades come from hydrogenated petroleum alpha-olefins. INCI: C13-15 Alkane. In cosmetics, C13-15 Alkane acts as a dry, low-viscosity emollient. It fills gaps between corneocytes, reduces TEWL, and improves cream slip. Sensorially it replaces cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and cyclomethicone in clean formulas that avoid silicones. Use levels run from 1% to 30%. In mineral-filter sunscreens it helps disperse zinc oxide and improves spreadability. Pregnancy safety. Skin absorption is minimal – the molecule is lipophilic and too large for meaningful penetration. CIR rated the safety profile as acceptable. No teratogenic effects are described in the literature. Skin profile. Low irritation and low allergen potential. Non-comedogenic (Fulton scale 0). Suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin. It does not leave a greasy film and does not occlude pores. Comparison with squalane. C13-15 Alkane is sometimes marketed as squalane, but molecularly the two are different structures with similar sensorials – dry slip and quick absorption. Squalane is biologically related to skin lipids and counts as a standalone active, while C13-15 Alkane is a purely functional texture modifier without enzymatic affinity for the skin. The ingredient has no standalone cosmetic effects beyond emolliency and sensorial improvement. It is a working silicone alternative in formulas positioned as silicone-free.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeC13-15 Alkane is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
C13-15 Alkane suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Lightweight plant-derived emollient from sugarcane or palm oil.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is C13-15 Alkane. It may also appear as: C13-14 Alkane, Hemisqualane, C13-15 алкан.
Published: · updated:
Suitable for