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C13-14 Isoparaffin

What C13-14 Isoparaffin is & what it does

A light hydrocarbon usually paired with polymeric thickeners as a carrier, also acting as a light emollient. It helps the formula spread smoothly.

What is C13-14 Isoparaffin and what does it do in sunscreen?

C13-14 Isoparaffin is a light hydrocarbon used as a carrier and a light emollient. It most often shows up as the liquid that delivers polymeric thickeners into the formula, and along the way it helps the sunscreen spread smoothly and feel lighter. It leaves a soft, non-greasy slip rather than a heavy film.

Is C13-14 Isoparaffin safe?

Yes, as used in cosmetics. It is a highly refined, inert hydrocarbon that stays on the surface of the skin and has a long track record in lotions and sunscreens. It is used at low levels and is well tolerated, including by sensitive skin.

Does C13-14 Isoparaffin clog pores?

Generally no. It is a light, low-viscosity hydrocarbon rather than a heavy oil or wax, so it is not a typical pore-clogging ingredient and is often chosen for its lightweight feel. If a product breaks you out, the richer emollients in the formula are the more likely cause.

Is C13-14 Isoparaffin natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. It is a highly refined hydrocarbon produced in a lab to a consistent, controlled grade, which is part of why it is so light and predictable in a formula. It contains no animal-derived material, so it is suitable for vegan products.

What is C13-14 Isoparaffin on an ingredient list (INCI)?

C13-14 Isoparaffin is the INCI name on the label, where C13-14 refers to the length of the hydrocarbon chains it is made of. It usually appears paired with a thickener like Polyacrylamide or Acrylates copolymer, because it is the carrier those thickeners are supplied in.

Sunscreens with C13-14 Isoparaffin

We rate 185 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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