C18-70 Isoparaffin
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Mineral Oil, Paraffin Oil
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Support
Clean
OriginDerived from petroleum crude oil, belonging to the hydrocarbon chemical family of isoparaffins. Produced through fractional distillation and selective hydroisomerization of petroleum fractions.
Alkanes, C18-70-iso
CAS #
246538-80-7
Form
Oil
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Skin Protecting
Helps rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier — the invisible shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Essential after over-exfoliating or harsh weather.
Nourishes & Protects
Locks In Moisture
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients; not tested individually (CIR 579)
Not Comedogenic (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients; not tested individually (CIR 579)
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 579)
Eye Irritant in Testing (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 579)
Skin Irritant in Testing (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 579)
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 100%
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2010 survey
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 Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR
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