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Dodecane

What Dodecane is & what it does

Dodecane is a lightweight, saturated hydrocarbon (an alkane) that is liquid at room temperature. In sunscreens and skincare it is used as a solvent and emollient, giving products a light, fast-spreading, non-greasy feel. Its low viscosity makes it useful for thinning out heavier oils and improving how a sunscreen applies.

What does dodecane do in skincare?

Dodecane is used as a solvent and emollient in sunscreens and skincare. It gives products a light, fast-spreading, non-greasy feel. Its low viscosity makes it useful for thinning heavier oils and improving how a sunscreen applies.

Is dodecane comedogenic?

Dodecane is a lightweight hydrocarbon and is generally considered low on the comedogenic scale, though individual responses can vary. Because it is light and fast-spreading, it is often used to reduce greasiness rather than add heaviness. If you are prone to clogged pores, patch testing a new product is a sensible step.

Is dodecane natural or synthetic?

Dodecane can be sourced either from petroleum or produced through plant-based and synthetic routes. It is a saturated hydrocarbon, and its origin depends on the manufacturer. Some cosmetic grades are marketed as plant-derived alternatives.

Sunscreens with Dodecane

We rate 15 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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