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Heptyl Undecylenate

What Heptyl Undecylenate is & what it does

Heptyl Undecylenate is an ester formed from heptyl alcohol and undecylenic acid, the latter often sourced from castor oil. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it serves as a light emollient and natural-derived alternative to silicones, giving a dry, fast-spreading skin feel. It is valued as a low-tack carrier that can also help disperse pigments and UV filters evenly.

What does Heptyl Undecylenate do in skincare?

Heptyl Undecylenate is a light ester used as an emollient that softens skin and improves how a product spreads. In sunscreens it gives a dry, fast-absorbing feel and is often chosen as a natural-derived alternative to silicones. It can also help disperse pigments and UV filters evenly.

Is Heptyl Undecylenate natural or synthetic?

Heptyl Undecylenate is usually plant-derived, made from undecylenic acid that often comes from castor oil. It is produced through a chemical reaction called esterification, so it can be described as a naturally-derived but processed ingredient. The starting materials are typically of plant origin.

Is Heptyl Undecylenate comedogenic?

Heptyl Undecylenate is generally regarded as a lightweight, low-residue emollient and is often marketed as a silicone alternative for a dry feel. It is not widely flagged as highly pore-clogging, but individual responses vary. People very prone to breakouts may want to see how their skin reacts.

Sunscreens with Heptyl Undecylenate

We rate 34 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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