How we scored it
Where it comes from
Hexadecane used in cosmetics is typically fractionated from petroleum as a paraffinic hydrocarbon. Minor plant-derived alternatives exist in niche supply but are not the dominant commercial source.
In plain English
A lightweight emollient that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel. It is a simple hydrocarbon typically derived from petroleum, similar to other paraffin-type skin conditioners.
CosIng definition: Hexadecane is the organic compound that conforms to the formula:
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Structure
hexadecane
References
- 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.
- 2Hexadecane. PubChem CID 11006. National Center for Biotechnology Information. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
- 3HEXADECANE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
- 4HEXADECANE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=HEXADECANE