What Is C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane?
C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane is a blend of straight chain and ring-shaped hydrocarbons that contain 12 to 13 carbon atoms. Most often sourced from highly refined petroleum fractions, it can also be produced from plant-based feedstocks such as sugarcane through a process called fermentation followed by hydrogenation. The raw material is distilled to isolate the C12-13 range then further purified to meet cosmetic standards, giving a clear odorless liquid with a very light feel.
Hydrocarbon cuts in this carbon range have been used industrially for decades, but their entry into beauty formulas grew in the 2000s when brands started looking for non-silicone ingredients that deliver the same silky slip without a heavy or greasy after-feel. Advances in purification and the rise of bio-based chemistry have since made C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane a popular choice for clean beauty launches.
You will typically find it in lightweight facial oils, serums, sunscreens, primers, foundations, moisturizers, cleansing balms, hair shine sprays and even sheet masks where it helps spread active ingredients evenly across skin or hair.
C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In personal care products C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane serves one key purpose that delivers several practical benefits.
Solvent: It dissolves oily or waxy ingredients so they blend smoothly into a formula, which helps create thin elegant textures that absorb quickly. By keeping pigments, UV filters and botanical extracts evenly dispersed it improves product stability and ensures each application delivers consistent results.
Who Can Use C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane
Thanks to its light silky texture and low occlusivity C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane suits most skin types including oily combination dry and sensitive. Its fast spread and quick dry-down help prevent the heavy feeling that can bother breakout-prone or congested skin, while also avoiding the tightness that dry skin can feel with volatile silicones. The only group that may need caution is anyone with a known sensitivity to mineral oil or hydrocarbon solvents, though true allergies are rare.
The ingredient is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Whether it comes from refined petroleum fractions or from plant-derived feedstocks such as sugarcane no animal components are involved at any stage, but consumers should still check the full formula for other animal-derived additives.
Current safety assessments show no reproductive toxicity and negligible skin absorption so products containing C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane are generally viewed as safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run their skincare choices past a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with UV exposure. It is also fragrance free gluten free and suitable for children’s products when formulated appropriately.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients can differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is included at normal cosmetic concentrations in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as transient redness or dryness, more likely on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sensitivity to hydrocarbons
- Temporary acne flare-up if used alongside highly occlusive or pore-clogging ingredients
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes during application or removal
- Enhanced penetration of actives which could intensify the effect of strong exfoliants or retinoids applied in the same routine
If any discomfort rash or persistent reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane earns a low score because its lightweight hydrocarbon molecules spread quickly then evaporate or absorb without leaving a thick occlusive film that can trap debris in pores. Studies on similar chain-length alkanes show minimal acnegenic activity and the ingredient is highly purified to remove heavier residues that might clog skin.
With this rating the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts. However if a formula also contains richer butters or waxes overall pore-clogging potential can rise so the full ingredient list still matters.
Summary
C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane is used mainly as a solvent that dissolves oils, pigments and UV filters so they stay evenly mixed and glide over skin or hair in a feather-light layer. Its quick-drying, non-greasy feel makes it a popular silicone alternative in modern clean beauty launches though it is still less well known than classic emollients like squalane or jojoba oil.
Independent safety reviews classify it as low risk for irritation, sensitization or systemic absorption when used in typical cosmetic levels. While most people can use it without issues it is still wise to patch test any new product to make sure your skin agrees.