Isohexadecane
Texture enhancer
No known benefits
Isohexadecane at a glance
- Versatile ingredient used as a cleansing agent, solvent, texture enhancer, and skin-conditioning agent
- Imparts a non-greasy, lightweight, silky feel
- Popular in products geared toward oily skin, as well as makeup removers
- Also used in hair care to add silkiness without weighing tresses down
Isohexadecane description
Isohexadecane is a multitalented synthetic ingredient used as a cleansing agent, solvent, texture enhancer, and skin-conditioning agent. Even though it is often used to increase the richness of a formula’s texture, isohexadecane imparts a non-greasy, lightweight, silky feel on skin and is described as having a powder-like finish. Its dry-but-non-drying finish makes it popular in products geared toward oily skin. The cleansing/solvent properties of isohexadecane also make it a common choice in makeup remover formulas where it helps break down long-wear foundation, mascara, etc. It’s also used in hair care products to add silkiness without weighing hair down. Isohexadecane has been deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Their assessment surveyed products containing up to a 42% concentration.
