Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

C15-18 GLYCOL.

Valuable CAS 70750-40-2 / EMULSION STABILISING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

A sophisticated long-chain 1,2-alkyldiol designed to bridge the gap between structural emollience and formula stability. Its unique C15-18 carbon chain provides a smooth, non-greasy skin feel while reinforcing the integrity of the epidermal lipid matrix.

Summary

emollient emulsion stabilising skin conditioning viscosity controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

This amphiphilic molecule features a hydrophilic head and a lipophilic tail, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the stratum corneum's lipid bilayer. It works by filling gaps within intercorneocyte clusters, effectively sealing the skin barrier to minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while acting as a stabilizer at the oil-water interface in emulsions.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–10%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 A 2012 CIR Final Report concluded that 1,2-glycols, including C15-18, exhibit a very low order of toxicity with an LD50 exceeding 20.0 g/kg.
  2. 02 Structural modeling from 2011 indicates that the longer-chain length of C15-18 Glycol results in significantly lower skin penetration compared to shorter-chain glycols, enhancing surface-level barrier protection.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.5%
Red flag below
0.1%

As a functional emollient and viscosity regulator, C15-18 Glycol is rarely used as a 'marketing' ingredient; it is typically included at functional levels to achieve specific textural and barrier-repair benchmarks.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 3 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Exceptionally stable across a broad pH range and thermally resilient with high boiling points, making it suitable for hot-process emulsions.

Synergies

  • Ceramides
  • Squalane
  • UV Filters

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel considers it safe for cosmetic use; its low penetration profile makes it an ideal candidate for sensitive skin and pregnancy-safe formulations.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An excellent multi-functional ingredient that provides reliable barrier support and emulsion stability with a superior safety and irritation profile.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…