Isododecane-(CAS 31807-55-3)
Product Name: Isododecane
INCI Name: ISODODECANE
CAS Number: 31807-55-3
Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₆
Molecular Weight: 170.33 g/mol
Product Purity: ≥99.0%
Appearance: Colorless transparent liquid, odorless
Shelf Life: 24 months under sealed cool, dry and well-ventilated storage
Isododecane, cosmetic grade isododecane, volatile silicone alternative, lightweight emollient solvent, long-wear makeup ingredient, pigment dispersion carrier, sulfate-free cleanser oil, eco-friendly isoparaffin, makeup setting spray raw material, non-gre
Isododecane-(CAS 31807-55-3)
Isododecane is a highly branched C12 isoparaffin volatile solvent widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry. As a premium eco-friendly alternative to cyclomethicone (D4/D5), it offers exceptional volatility control, ultra-lightweight skin feel, and excellent pigment dispersion capabilities. Unlike mineral oil or heavy emollients that leave a greasy residue, isododecane evaporates completely within 10–20 minutes after application, leaving a clean, matte, non-tacky finish. Its chemical inertness and stability make it compatible with virtually all cosmetic raw materials, while its low surface tension significantly improves product spreadability. As a key raw material for long-wear makeup and lightweight skincare formulations, it has become an indispensable ingredient in modern clean beauty and silicone-free cosmetic products.

Key Benefits
• Ultra-lightweight, non-greasy skin feel, completely weightless after evaporation
• Controlled volatility, fully evaporates in 10–20 minutes with zero residue
• Excellent pigment and wax solubilization, ideal carrier for color cosmetics
• Significantly improves product spreadability and application smoothness
• Enhances long-wear performance and water resistance of makeup formulations
• Chemically inert and highly stable, compatible with all cosmetic raw materials
• Completely odorless and tasteless, does not interfere with product fragrance
• Eco-friendly silicone alternative, readily biodegradable, non-bioaccumulative
• Non-irritating, non-comedogenic, safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin
• Excellent silicone compatibility, boosts hair shine and combability in hair care
Applications
• Long-wear foundation & BB cream: Recommended dosage 5%–15%
• Matte lipstick & liquid lip gloss: Recommended dosage 3%–10%
• Mascara & liquid eyeliner: Recommended dosage 5%–12%
• Sunscreen lotion & sunscreen spray: Recommended dosage 2%–8%
• Makeup cleansing oil & cleansing water: Recommended dosage 3%–10%
• Makeup setting spray & setting powder: Recommended dosage 1%–5%
• Perfume & fragrance products: as essential oil carrier solvent
• Antiperspirant & deodorant products
• Oil-control skincare for oily and acne-prone skin
• Hair conditioner & hair oil: improves shine and dry combability
• Eyebrow pencil & brow gel and other long-wear eye makeup
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Standard Requirement | Test Result | Test Method |
Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid, odorless | Complied | Visual & Olfactory Inspection |
Purity (GC) | ≥99.0% | 99.52% | Gas Chromatography |
Density (15°C) | 0.750–0.765 g/cm³ | 0.757 g/cm³ | Hydrometer Method |
Flash Point (PM) | ≥67°C | 71°C | Pensky-Martens Closed Cup |
Kinematic Viscosity (37.8°C) | 1.24–1.30 cSt | 1.27 cSt | Kinematic Viscometer |
Bromine Index | ≤30 mg/100g | 18.6 mg/100g | Electrometric Titration |
Sulfur Content | ≤1 ppm | <0.5 ppm | UV Fluorescence Method |
Water Content | ≤50 ppm | 22 ppm | Karl Fischer Titration |
Aromatic Content | ≤0.01% | <0.005% | UV Spectrophotometry |
Heavy Metal (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <2 ppm | ICP-MS |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Total Aerobic Bacteria | ≤100 CFU/g | Not Detected | Plate Count Method |
Mold & Yeast | ≤10 CFU/g | Not Detected | Plate Count Method |
Escherichia Coli | Negative | Not Detected | National Standard Test |
Conclusion | Meet global cosmetic grade isododecane standard | Qualified | / |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request
Q1: What is the difference between isododecane and cyclopentasiloxane (D5) as volatile ingredients?
A: Both are volatile cosmetic ingredients, but isododecane is a hydrocarbon-based isoparaffin while D5 is a silicone. Isododecane offers better pigment wetting and wax solubilization, making it superior for color cosmetics. It is also more environmentally friendly — readily biodegradable with no bioaccumulation risk, unlike silicones which have raised environmental concerns. Additionally, isododecane provides a drier, more matte finish compared to the silky feel of D5, making it ideal for long-wear matte formulations.
Q2: How fast does isododecane evaporate? Will it cause the formula to dry out too quickly during application?
A: Isododecane has a moderate evaporation rate — it typically takes 10–20 minutes to fully evaporate from skin at room temperature, which is slower than D5 but faster than heavier oils. This controlled volatility provides enough working time for even product application while still delivering a long-wearing, residue-free finish. For spray products or very fast-drying formulations, it can be blended with isohexadecane or other volatile ingredients to adjust the evaporation profile as needed.
Q3: Can isododecane be used in spray products? Are there any special considerations?
A: Yes, isododecane is commonly used in makeup setting sprays, sunscreen sprays, and hair styling sprays. Its low surface tension and fast-drying properties make it ideal for spray applications. However, please note that it has a flash point of approximately 71°C and is classified as a flammable liquid. For aerosol spray products, proper pressure and propellant selection are required, and production must follow flammable liquid safety protocols. For non-aerosol pump sprays, it can be used directly with standard formulation adjustments.
Q4: How to choose between isododecane and isohexadecane for formulation development?
A: The main difference is volatility and skin feel. Isododecane (C12) is lighter and faster-evaporating, leaving a drier, more matte finish — it is the first choice for long-wear makeup, setting sprays, and oil-control products. Isohexadecane (C16) is slightly heavier with slower evaporation, providing more emolliency and a softer skin feel — it works better in moisturizing creams, lotions, and hair care products where some residual conditioning is desired. They can also be blended in different ratios to achieve a custom volatility profile and skin feel.
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