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Ingredient directory

Hexyldecanoic Acid

A branched fatty acid primarily utilized in cosmetic formulations for its cleansing, surfactant, and emulsifying properties. It helps reduce surface tension, enabling the harmonious blending of oil and water phases, while also contributing to formulation stability and viscosity.

Directory entry · Individual source review pending

This profile is awaiting an individual source review. Treat its ratings, dose estimates and compatibility labels as provisional; they are not medical advice or proof of a finished product’s effects.

Cleansing Surfactant Emulsifying

Science

Mechanism of Action

Hexyldecanoic acid functions by lowering the surface tension of liquids, acting as a surfactant to facilitate the mixing of immiscible substances like oil and water. This mechanism underpins its role in cleansing formulations, aiding in the removal of impurities from skin and hair. Its branched molecular structure can further contribute to the stability and textural characteristics of a product, and it may also exhibit mild antimicrobial activity.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient demonstrates stability under standard ambient conditions. It is, however, combustible and should not be formulated with strong oxidizing agents. The predicted pKa value is 4.90±0.40.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

Hexyldecanoic acid is classified with hazard statements including H315 (causes skin irritation), H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction), and H319 (causes serious eye irritation). In a 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats, a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 1,000 mg/kg was observed. It is readily biodegradable, achieving 85% biodegradation within 28 days, though it is classified as very toxic to aquatic life (H400) and toxic with long-lasting effects (H411).

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While effective as a cleansing, surfactant, and emulsifying agent for formulation stability, its classification with explicit hazard statements for skin irritation and potential for allergic reactions, coupled with an 'unknown' CIR safety review status, raises significant concerns for precision skincare.

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