C11-13 Isoparaffin

AKA: Hydrocarbon, Mineral oil fraction

Synthetic

Solvent

Clean

Alkanes, C11-13-iso

CAS #

246538-78-3

Form

Liquid

Functions

Solvent

Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.

Dissolves Ingredients

Dissolves other ingredients

Traditional Use

Synthetic hydrocarbon developed in modern cosmetics as a volatile solvent and emollient. Designed to provide rapid absorption and a dry-feel finish compared to heavier mineral oils.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

Credo Beauty Sephora Clean at Sephora Whole Foods Premium Body Care The Detox Market Beauty Heroes MADE SAFE EWG VERIFIED

CIR Safety Findings

Not an Irritant

ewg-1

medical-approval

pregnancy-nursing-safe

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types, gentle

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR