C13-16 Isoparaffin

C13-16 Isoparaffin 1
AKA: Mineral Oil, Liquid Paraffin
Synthetic
Solvent
Clean
Alkanes, C13-16-iso
CAS #
68551-20-2
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 the 20th century as a petroleum-derived ingredient. Used in cosmetics as a solvent and conditioning agent to improve product feel and application.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
100%
0%100%
Reg. Limit
FDA OTC limit: 100% (Skin Protectant). 50-100% standalone; 30-35% when combined with colloidal oatmeal Source: FDA OTC Monograph, 21 CFR 347.10.
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
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