A mixture of C18-21 alkanes, used as a solvent and linked to an Annex II entry.
What it is
C18-21 alkane is, according to CosIng, a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) with 18 to 21 carbon atoms in the chain. CosIng lists it as a solvent. The EU data link this ingredient to an entry in Annex II (prohibited substances).
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for what the Annex II entry covers and how it applies.
Functions
- Solvent
- Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).
EU regulation
EU · Annex II, entry 875Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated middle, except if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223