C13-14 Isoparaffin

AKA: Mineral oil isomer

Synthetic

Emollient

Solvent

Skin Conditioner

Clean

Alkanes, C13-14-iso

CAS #

246538-79-4

Form

Liquid

Functions

Emollient

Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.

Solvent

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

Locks In Moisture

Traditional Use

Synthetic hydrocarbon developed in the 20th century as a petroleum-derived ingredient. Used in cosmetics as a light, volatile solvent and emollient for product spreadability and quick absorption.

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-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️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