INCI Name: Isododecane
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Solubility: Oil-soluble
Usage Rate: 2% – 40%
Function: Solvent, texture enhancer, film-former, volatility agent
Isododecane is a highly volatile, lightweight hydrocarbon emollient used to create smooth, fast-drying, transfer-resistant cosmetic and skincare formulations. It evaporates quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for long-wear makeup, non-tacky balms, and high-performance hair and skin products.
Isododecane is a branched-chain hydrocarbon commonly used as a lightweight solvent and texture enhancer in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It helps reduce tackiness, enhances spreadability, and improves formula wear time. It is particularly effective in volatile systems where a fast-drying, non-oily finish is desired.
Use in the oil phase or added post-emulsification for best results. Avoid use in water-rich systems. Ideal for cold-process and anhydrous formulas.
Oil-phase addition. Can be mixed with esters, volatile silicones, or natural oils.
It evaporates quickly after application, leaving behind pigments and film formers in a flexible film. This underpins transfer-proof lipsticks, eyeliners, and foundations that stay put for hours.
Isododecane gives ultra-light slip without greasy residue, even in pigment-heavy formulas. It delivers silky glide, then flashes off, leaving makeup weightless instead of tacky.
Dimethicone cushions and remains on the skin surface, while Isododecane evaporates. Used together, they balance long wear (Isododecane) with comfort and softness (Dimethicone).
Yes. Isododecane helps disperse pigments evenly and enhances compatibility with film formers. When combined with gelling agents like Silica Dimethyl Silylate, it creates uniform, stable systems that resist separation.
Unlike alcohol, which can dry or irritate skin, Isododecane provides quick-dry performance without sting or barrier disruption.
Yes. It’s used to lighten oily serums, sunscreens, and hair styling products, delivering elegant textures that dry down quickly without heaviness.
If Isododecane is used alone, it can set too stiff. Pair it with emollients or silicones like Dimethicone to keep formulas flexible and comfortable while maintaining long wear.
Yes. Flaking occurs when pigments aren’t evenly dispersed or the film is brittle. Isododecane spreads pigments smoothly and carries silicone resins into a uniform film, preventing cracking.
Mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can make sunscreens dense. Isododecane lightens the oil phase, improves spreadability, and helps them dry down with less residue.
Isododecane evaporates rapidly, leaving behind flexible film formers that resist oils and sweat. For even more stability, combine it with Silica Dimethyl Silylate to gel and lock pigments in place.
Pigments tend to settle without proper suspension. Isododecane helps keep them evenly distributed, especially when paired with rheology modifiers like Silica Dimethyl Silylate, ensuring smooth, shelf-stable foundations.
