Isohexadecane
Isohexadecane is a lightweight, silky emollient commonly used in UK skincare and makeup to give products a smooth, non-greasy feel. It helps products glide easily over the skin and improves the overall texture without leaving a heavy or oily residue.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, isohexadecane functions primarily as an emollient and solvent. It spreads easily across the skin or hair, reducing friction and delivering a soft, velvety after-feel. Because it is highly compatible with both oils and silicones, it is frequently used to improve the spreadability and elegance of creams, serums, foundations, mascaras and lip products while helping to stabilise formulations and prevent separation.
Key benefits
- Provides a silky, non-greasy feel on the skin
- Enhances product spreadability and glide
- Improves the texture and elegance of formulations
- Helps dissolve and deliver other oil-soluble ingredients
- Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
- Reduces tackiness in heavy creams and balms
Best for
dry skin, normal skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, mature skin
Where it comes from
Isohexadecane is a synthetic ingredient produced through the hydrogenation of petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. It is not obtained from plant, seed or mineral sources in its final cosmetic form.