Hexadecane
AKA: N-Hexadecane, 544-76-3, Cetane, N-Cetane, CHEBI:45296, PARAFOL 16-97
Synthetic
Emollient
Synthetic
Clean
Hexadecane is a straight-chain alkane with 16 carbon atoms. It is a component of essential oil isolated from long pepper. It has a role as a volatile oil component, a non-polar solvent and a plant metabolite.
Solubility In water, 2.1X10-5 mg/L at 25 °C
Formula
C16H34
Mol. Weight
226.44
CAS #
544-76-3
State
N-hexadecane is a colorless liquid. (NTP, 1992)
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Softens & Smooths
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR