A branched C20 hydrocarbon used as an emollient and solvent.
What it is
Isoeicosane is a mixture of branched hydrocarbons with about 20 carbon atoms, obtained by polymerising isobutylene and hydrogenating the pentaisobutylene fraction. CosIng lists it as an emollient, skin-conditioning and solvent ingredient.
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.
The INCI name refers to a mixture of isomers, not a single compound.
Functions
- Skin conditioning – emollient
- Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- Solvent
- Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.