Database/Solvent/C13-15 Alkane
Route-dependent · ISO 16128

Is C13-15 Alkane natural?

It depends. C13-15 alkane is sold both as a plant-derived alkane blend and as a petroleum paraffin fraction under the same INCI name, so the score depends on the supplier.

INCI nameC13-15 Alkane
CAS64742-46-7
FunctionSolvent
FeedstockAsk the supplier for a bio-based carbon certificate…

Why the score varies

This ingredient is made commercially by more than one route, and ISO 16128 scores the feedstock actually used. Without a supplier certificate of origin the value cannot be claimed.

RouteFeedstockNOIShareNotes
Vegetable-oil hydrogenation/deoxygenationCoconut or palm fatty acids1.00Common in natural cosmeticsNatural origin (bio-alkanes)
Petroleum distillationHydrotreated paraffinic fraction0.00CommonFully petrochemical
Ask your supplier. A batch-specific certificate of origin or bio-based carbon test (ASTM D6866) settles which route applies.

How we scored it

CAS 64742-46-7 identifies a petroleum-refining hydrocarbon stream (hydrotreated distillate); the alkane backbone is entirely fossil-derived → 0/total = 0.0.
What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

Ask the supplier for a bio-based carbon certificate (ASTM D6866); plant-derived grades are common in natural formulations.

In plain English

A lightweight solvent and emollient made of hydrocarbon chains. This particular version, identified by its CAS number, is refined from petroleum rather than plant oil.

CosIng definition: C13-15 Alkane is a mixture of alkanes with 13 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain

Natural alternatives with the same function

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 C10-18 Triglycerides 100% natural origin

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 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 100% natural origin

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 Coconut Alkanes 100% natural origin

A lightweight, silky emollient oil used as a natural alternative to silicone. It's made entirely from coconut oil…

References

  1. 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
  2. 2C13-15 ALKANE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3C13-15 ALKANE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=C13-15%20ALKANE