Isododecane

Isododecane is a lightweight, fast-drying emollient and solvent commonly used in UK beauty products such as mascaras, foundations, lipsticks and primers. It gives formulas a silky, non-greasy feel and helps them spread easily while improving wear time. Shoppers often see it in long-wear and waterproof cosmetics.

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare Isododecane acts as a volatile silicone alternative, evaporating quickly after application to leave behind a smooth, breathable film. It improves the spreadability of pigments and waxes, prevents settling in liquid formulas, and enhances the overall texture so products feel weightless on skin or lips while boosting their staying power.

Key benefits

Provides a silky, non-greasy finish
Improves spreadability and even application
Helps extend wear time of makeup
Gives a smooth, soft after-feel
Reduces tackiness in formulas
Enhances waterproof properties

Best for

oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin

Where it comes from

Isododecane is a branched-chain hydrocarbon (alkane) primarily derived from petroleum through fractional distillation and refining processes.

Products with Isododecane

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Isododecane than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

All ingredients