Dodecane

Dodecane is a lightweight, oil-soluble hydrocarbon used in cosmetics as an emollient and volatile texture agent. It's chosen for silky slip, reduced tack, and better spreadability in creams, sunscreens, and makeup.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A lightweight oil that gives skin a smooth, quick-drying feel.
Category
Skin Conditioning
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Leaves skin feeling soft with a smooth, non-greasy finish and quick dry-down. Increases a lightweight, elegant skin feel for improved comfort.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in sunscreens, liquid foundations, and lightweight moisturizers as a sensory modifier. Also used in primers and serums to create a refined, fast-absorbing texture.

Comedogenic Rating

Dodecane has a comedogenic rating of 1. It has a very low likelihood of clogging pores.

Safety

Generally well tolerated with low irritation potential. As a volatile emollient, it may bother very sensitive skin or eyes in high concentrations or spray formats; patch testing is prudent for reactive users.

Is Dodecane a Good Ingredient?

Good: a stable, lightweight hydrocarbon that increases slip and spreadability with a quick, non-greasy finish; benefits are mainly sensory rather than treatment-focused, which supports a solid but not exceptional rating.

Products with Dodecane

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