Database/Solvent/C15-19 Alkane
Route-dependent · ISO 16128

Is C15-19 Alkane natural?

It depends. C15-19 Alkane is sold both as a plant-derived alkane (vegetable fatty acids hydrogenated and deoxygenated) and as a petroleum paraffin fraction; the INCI name does not distinguish them.

INCI nameC15-19 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/deoxygenationPalm, coconut or rapeseed fatty acids1.00Common in natural cosmeticsNatural origin (bio-alkanes)
Petroleum distillationHydrotreated paraffinic fractions0.00CommonFully 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

Classes paraffins/alkanes as petrochemical; CAS 64742-46-7 is a petroleum hydrocarbon distillate stream → 0/100 = 0.00.
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 widely used in natural formulations.

In plain English

A blend of straight-chain hydrocarbons used as a lightweight solvent. Most commercial supply is refined from petroleum, though small amounts are made from fermented plant sugars.

CosIng definition: C15-C19 Alkane is a mixture of alkanes with 15 to 19 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

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a popular ingredient in skincare and cosmetics, often described as a "fractionated coconut oil" derivative.…

 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. 2C15-19 ALKANE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3C15-19 ALKANE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=C15-19%20ALKANE