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Isohexadecane

What Isohexadecane is & what it does

A light, non-greasy hydrocarbon emollient that spreads easily and gives a smooth, dry finish. It also helps dissolve and distribute oil-soluble filters.

What is Isohexadecane and what does it do in sunscreen?

Isohexadecane is a light, non-greasy hydrocarbon emollient. It spreads easily and leaves a smooth, dry-touch finish, which helps a sunscreen feel weightless rather than heavy. It also helps dissolve and evenly distribute oil-soluble UV filters through the formula.

Is Isohexadecane safe?

Yes. It is a widely used, well-tolerated emollient considered safe in cosmetics. It works on the surface of the skin to soften and spread, and it is non-irritating for most people at the levels used in sunscreen.

Does Isohexadecane clog pores?

Generally no. Despite being an oil-like ingredient, it is light and is generally considered low risk for clogging pores, which is why it is used to make formulas feel non-greasy. Very acne-prone skin can react to almost any emollient, but this one is not a notable comedogenic flag.

Is Isohexadecane an oil or a silicone?

Neither, exactly. It is a hydrocarbon emollient, a light oil-like ingredient that mimics the silky slip of a silicone without being one. It is often used in silicone-free formulas to get a similar smooth, dry finish.

Is Isohexadecane natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic, made by processing hydrocarbons into a clean, light, consistent emollient. Synthetic here means it is produced for purity and a reliable feel, not that it is harsh, and it is well tolerated on skin.

Sunscreens with Isohexadecane

We rate 574 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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