What Is C12-14 Isoparaffin?
C12-14 Isoparaffin is a blend of lightweight liquid hydrocarbons, often called alkanes, that have 12 to 14 carbon atoms arranged in a branched pattern. It comes from petroleum that has been highly refined to remove impurities, color and odor, leaving a clear odorless fluid. The cosmetic industry started to use isoparaffins in the 1960s when formulators wanted a safe non-greasy alternative to heavier mineral oils. To make C12-14 Isoparaffin, crude oil first goes through distillation to isolate the right carbon range, then hydrogenation to boost purity and stability.
Because it feels silky, evaporates slowly and mixes well with many other ingredients, C12-14 Isoparaffin shows up in a wide variety of products. You will see it in moisturizing creams, makeup removers, liquid foundations, face masks, anti-aging serums, hair styling creams and even some deodorants. Its main job is to keep formulas uniform and pleasant to apply.
C12-14 Isoparaffin’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
C12-14 Isoparaffin acts as a solvent, meaning it dissolves or thins other ingredients so they spread evenly on skin or hair. By doing so it helps create smooth, lightweight textures that absorb quickly without a heavy oily afterfeel.
Who Can Use C12-14 Isoparaffin
C12-14 Isoparaffin is generally suitable for normal, dry, combination and even sensitive skin because it is lightweight and non-greasy. Very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer to keep use minimal since any occlusive film, even a light one, can occasionally feel too rich for that skin type. The ingredient is derived from highly refined petroleum and contains no animal by-products, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Current safety assessments show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new skincare products to their routine.
C12-14 Isoparaffin does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no known interactions with common sunscreen filters or other daily-use actives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-14 Isoparaffin vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used as intended in a finished cosmetic product.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or itching
- Rare contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitive to petroleum-derived ingredients
- Occasional clogged pores or breakouts in those highly prone to acne
- Increased penetration of strong actives in the same formula, which could amplify those actives’ side effects
If you notice any discomfort stop using the product and seek guidance from a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 – Laboratory data and user reports show that C12-14 Isoparaffin forms a very thin breathable film that rarely traps oil or dead skin inside pores. Its branched structure keeps the molecules from packing tightly on the skin so they rinse away more easily than heavier straight-chain mineral oils. Because of that it carries only a slight risk of clogging and is generally acceptable for acne-prone skin, especially in low-to-moderate concentrations found in most leave-on products. If applied in thick layers or combined with other rich occlusives it could still contribute to congestion in extremely breakout-prone individuals, so overall formulation matters as much as the ingredient itself.
Summary
C12-14 Isoparaffin is mainly a solvent that thins oils waxes and pigments so a formula glides on smoothly, feels light and dries without a greasy residue. Its branched hydrocarbon chain lets it spread quickly while adding a subtle silky slip, which is why makeup removers foundations and creams often rely on it to improve texture and stability.
The ingredient is moderately popular: not as ubiquitous as silicones yet favored by many formulators who want a mineral-oil alternative that still comes with reliable safety data and low irritation potential. Current research and decades of cosmetic use show it to be safe for topical application with minimal risk of sensitivity or pore blockage for most skin types. As with any new skincare product it is wise to patch test first to make sure your individual skin agrees.