Tridecane

Tridecane is a C13 saturated hydrocarbon used in cosmetics as a volatile solvent and sensory aid. It's chosen as a fast-evaporating, light carrier that improves spreadability, cuts greasiness, and leaves a quick, dry-touch finish.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A light solvent that helps formulas spread easily and dry down fast.
Category
Skin Conditioning
Type
Solvent

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Creates a quick-dry, weightless skin finish that cuts down on tackiness and greasiness, and improves slip for a smoother, more elegant application experience.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in fluid moisturizers, sunscreens, and primers to deliver a clean, dry-touch feel, and also used in long-wear foundations and lightweight serums to improve glide and set-down.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically low irritation potential on intact skin, but its volatility may cause temporary dryness or mild stinging on sensitive areas; avoid eye contact and excessive inhalation in sprays. No common regulatory restrictions for standard cosmetic use.

Is Tridecane a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good as an effective, lightweight, fast-evaporating solvent that improves spread and dry-down with generally low irritation risk. It doesn't reach Great because its direct skin benefits are limited and it can cause transient dryness on compromised barriers.

Products with Tridecane

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