C18-21 Alkane

What C18-21 Alkane is & what it does

C18-21 Alkane is a blend of saturated hydrocarbons with carbon chains ranging from 18 to 21 atoms, often produced from renewable plant sources as an alternative to silicones or mineral oil. In sunscreens and creams it serves as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, giving products a smooth, spreadable, non-greasy slip. Its lightweight texture helps disperse other ingredients evenly across the skin.

What does C18-21 Alkane do in skincare?

C18-21 Alkane is an emollient and skin-conditioning agent that gives products a smooth, light, non-greasy slip. It is often used as a plant- derived alternative to silicones or mineral oil and helps other ingredients spread evenly on the skin.

Is C18-21 Alkane safe?

C18-21 Alkane is generally considered a mild, well-tolerated emollient in cosmetic formulas. It works mainly on the skin surface to improve texture, and people with sensitive skin can patch test a new product as a precaution.

Is C18-21 Alkane natural or synthetic?

C18-21 Alkane is frequently produced from renewable plant sources, so it is often described as nature-derived, though it is processed in the lab to reach the final hydrocarbon blend. Versions can also be made from other feedstocks depending on the supplier.

Sunscreens with C18-21 Alkane

We rate 21 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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