C9-16 Isoparaffin
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Mineral oil, Liquid paraffin
Synthetic
Emollient
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Alkanes, C9-16-iso
CAS #
70024-92-9; 246538-71-6; 68551-16-6; 246538-72-7; 246538-73-8; 246538-75-0; 68551-17-7; 246538-76-1
Form
Liquid
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.
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
Refined petroleum hydrocarbon developed for cosmetic applications. Used as an emollient and solvent in skincare formulations and color cosmetics.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
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 Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR