Undecane

Undecane is a lightweight, volatile C11 hydrocarbon that works as a cosmetic emollient and texturizer. It gives silky slip, quick absorption, and improved spreadability in low-grease skin and hair formulas.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A lightweight liquid that helps formulas spread smoothly and absorb fast.
Category
Skin Conditioning
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Delivers a soft, dry-touch finish and reduces greasy afterfeel for a more elegant skin sensation, and improves glide so products spread evenly without heaviness.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in sunscreens, fluid moisturizers, and foundations to improve slip and reduce tack; also found in hair serums for featherlight shine.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

Considered low irritation and suitable for most skin types. As a volatile emollient, it may cause mild transient dryness in very dry or compromised skin if overused. No specific cosmetic regulatory restrictions are commonly noted.

Is Undecane a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good as a lightweight, fast-spreading alkane that reliably improves slip and reduces greasiness with a low likelihood of irritation. It behaves inertly in formulas and is unlikely to clog pores, though it offers no active benefit beyond texture.

Products with Undecane

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