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Moumoujus

HEXADECANE.

Optional CAS 544-76-3 / PERFUMING

Hexadecane is an unbranched alkane that functions primarily as an emollient, imparting a smooth, non-greasy feel to the skin and hair. It also serves as a non-polar solvent, crucial for the uniform dispersion of lipophilic active ingredients within formulations, thereby enhancing product aesthetics and performance.

Summary

emollient solvent

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an emollient, hexadecane provides a smooth skin feel without a greasy residue, contributing to the overall sensory experience. Its non-polar nature allows it to effectively dissolve and disperse lipophilic compounds, facilitating their integration and stability within cosmetic formulations. Hexadecane confers strong hydrophobicity to molecules, and there is evidence suggesting that it can induce barrier dysfunction in skin, potentially leading to increased permeability prior to edema formation, a factor in alkane-induced irritation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Application to animal skin has been shown to induce hyperkeratinization and hyperplasia of the epidermis, alongside increased protein kinase C activity in pig epidermis. The precise mechanisms behind these effects are currently not understood.
  2. 02 The percutaneous absorption rate through human skin is remarkably low, recorded at approximately 7 × 10⁻³ nmol/cm²/hr (equivalent to about 0.0002 mgm/cm²/hr).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Hexadecane exhibits high chemical inertness and stability under typical ambient and anticipated storage and handling conditions of temperature and pressure.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents (e.g., nitric acid)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

Hexadecane has not undergone specific review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and is not present on FDA's lists of prohibited or restricted cosmetic ingredients. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) indicate it 'causes skin irritation' (H315) and 'may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways' (H304). Furthermore, repeated exposure may lead to skin dryness or cracking (AUH066). The EWG Skin Deep database reports low concerns across several categories, including cancer, allergies & immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and notes it is not suspected to be persistent or bioaccumulative.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

Hexadecane functions effectively as an emollient and solvent, enhancing product aesthetics, but warrants cautious consideration due to observed irritation potential and lack of comprehensive CIR safety review for topical precision skincare applications.

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