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Isododecane

Quantity: 100 ml

  • Isododecane

    Fast-Evaporating Emollient for Long-Wear & Weightless Formulas

    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.

    Commonly Used In:

    • Liquid lipsticks and matte lip colors
    • Long-wear and waterproof foundations
    • Eyeshadows, eyeliners, and brow pomades
    • Makeup setting sprays and mists
    • Transfer-resistant primers and concealers
    • Hair serums and anti-frizz sprays
    • Silicone-free dry touch formulations
    • Roll-on and spray sunscreens
    • Body oils and quick-dry skin elixirs
    • Deodorants and fragrance oils
  • What is Isododecane?

    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.

    Why Use Isododecane?

    • Quick Evaporation: Dries rapidly and reduces drying time in makeup
    • Non-Greasy Feel: Adds slip without leaving oily residue
    • Improves Wear: Helps lock pigments and actives in place
    • Silicone Alternative: Can be used in place of cyclopentasiloxane or D5
    • Ideal for Layering: Lightweight enough for multiple applications

    Performance Highlights

    • Compatible with silicones, esters, and oil-phase ingredients
    • Enhances glide and feel in emulsions and balms
    • Helps reduce transfer and improve wear time

    Additional Application Examples:

    • Transfer-proof liquid eyeliners and brow gels
    • Oil-control facial mists and mattifiers
    • Tattoo cover products and pigment suspensions
    • Stick foundations and shimmer balms

    Formulation Tip:

    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.

    How to Use

    Oil-phase addition. Can be mixed with esters, volatile silicones, or natural oils.

    • Usage rate: 2% – 40%
    • Oil-soluble; not compatible with water alone
    • Stable across a broad pH and temperature range
  • Documents

    COA

    SDS

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is Isododecane used in long-wear and transfer-resistant makeup?

    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.

    How does it influence the sensory feel of products?

    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.

    What makes Isododecane different from silicones like Dimethicone?

    Dimethicone cushions and remains on the skin surface, while Isododecane evaporates. Used together, they balance long wear (Isododecane) with comfort and softness (Dimethicone).

    Can it improve stability in formulations?

    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.

    Why is Isododecane preferred over alcohols in fast-dry systems?

    Unlike alcohol, which can dry or irritate skin, Isododecane provides quick-dry performance without sting or barrier disruption.

    Can it be used beyond color cosmetics?

    Yes. It’s used to lighten oily serums, sunscreens, and hair styling products, delivering elegant textures that dry down quickly without heaviness.

    Why does my long-wear lipstick feel too dry or tight?

    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.

    My eyeliner flakes after a few hours, can Isododecane help?

    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.

    Why does my sunscreen feel heavy or greasy?

    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.

    How can I stop mascaras and eyeliners from smudging?

    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.

    Why does my foundation separate in the bottle?

    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.

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
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Natalia Saenz

A must-have for long-wear and lightweight formulas. It gives a quick-dry finish and helps prevent pigment transfer in lip and eye products. Unfortunately, the packaging could use some improvement—there was a minor leak. Thankfully, all products were packed in secondary containment bags, so nothing else was affected, and it's an issue that I am sure CDF will address moving forward.

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