murphyIsohexadecane
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 8-HEPTAMETHYLNONANE, Nonane, (+-)-2, 8-Heptamethylnonane, Isocetane, 8-heptamethyl-nonane
Synthetic
Emollient
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Isohexadecane is a branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon with 16 carbons.
Formula
C16H34
Mol. Weight
226.44
CAS #
4390-04-9, 60908-77-2, 93685-80-4
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Human test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 579)
Not Comedogenic
Animal test found no comedogenicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 579)
Not an Eye Irritant
3 studies / 3 not irritating (CIR 579)
Not a Sensitizer
7 studies / 7 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 579)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 1 irritating / 8 not irritating (CIR 579)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.2–42%
Rinse-off0.2–41%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR