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Undecane

What Undecane is & what it does

Undecane is a light, fast-spreading hydrocarbon emollient used to give a sunscreen a smooth, dry, weightless slip. It carries and dissolves oil-soluble ingredients, then evaporates or sinks in quickly so the formula does not feel greasy. It is often paired with its sister ingredient tridecane to replace heavier silicones or oils for a clean, light finish.

What is Undecane and what does it do in sunscreen?

Undecane is a light hydrocarbon used as an emollient and solvent. In a sunscreen it spreads quickly and gives a dry, weightless slip, helping the product glide on without feeling greasy. It also helps dissolve and distribute oil-soluble ingredients like filters, and it is often used as a lighter alternative to silicones or heavier oils.

Is Undecane safe?

Yes. It is a well-tolerated, highly refined emollient widely used in light-feeling skincare and sunscreens. It works on the surface of the skin to improve spreadability and texture rather than penetrating deeply, and it is non-irritating for most people. Reactions are uncommon at cosmetic levels.

Does Undecane clog pores?

Generally no. Undecane is a light, fast-spreading emollient rather than a heavy, occlusive oil, so it is considered low-comedogenic and is often chosen specifically for a non-greasy feel. It is unlikely to be the cause of clogged pores in a well-formulated product. If you do break out, richer oils and waxes elsewhere in the formula are more likely responsible.

What else is Undecane called?

On the label it appears simply as its INCI name, Undecane. It is frequently paired with Tridecane, a closely related light hydrocarbon, and you will often see the two listed together. Both are plant-derived alternatives to silicones for a light, dry finish.

Is Undecane natural?

It can be plant-derived. Cosmetic undecane is commonly produced from renewable plant sources such as sugarcane, which makes it suitable for vegan and naturally-derived formulas. Whatever the source, the finished ingredient is highly refined for a clean, light skin feel.

Sunscreens with Undecane

We rate 196 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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