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Hydrogenated Farnesene

What Hydrogenated Farnesene is & what it does

Hydrogenated Farnesene is a saturated hydrocarbon derived from farnesene, a branched terpene that can be produced through fermentation of plant sugars. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it serves as a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent, giving a smooth, non-greasy slip. It is often used as a more sustainable alternative to some traditional silicone or mineral oil emollients.

What does Hydrogenated Farnesene do in skincare?

Hydrogenated Farnesene is a lightweight emollient and skin-conditioning agent used to give formulas a smooth, silky slip. It can replace some heavier oils or silicones while leaving a non-greasy finish, which makes it useful in sunscreens and moisturizers. It is valued for its light texture and often more sustainable sourcing.

Is Hydrogenated Farnesene comedogenic?

Hydrogenated Farnesene is a light, saturated hydrocarbon emollient and is generally regarded as low risk for clogging pores, though comedogenicity varies from person to person. There is no single universal rating, so anyone prone to breakouts may want to monitor how their skin responds. A patch test can help if you are concerned.

Is Hydrogenated Farnesene natural or synthetic?

Hydrogenated Farnesene can be considered partly bio-based, since farnesene is often produced by fermenting plant sugars before it is hydrogenated. It is a processed, manufactured ingredient, so it sits between purely natural and fully synthetic depending on how strictly those terms are defined.

Sunscreens with Hydrogenated Farnesene

We rate 7 sunscreens that contain it:

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