Isododecane
Meet your makeup and skincare routine’s longtime BFF: isododecane. Never heard of it? Then listen up, because it’s an ingredient that’s in practically every beauty product you use. From moisturizers to foundations to lipsticks to eyeliners to mascaras, isododecane is a staple in the cosmetic world, and it’s time you learned more about it.
TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Emollient and solvent.
MAIN BENEFITS: It acts as a moisture-locking barrier for the skin, keeping it hydrated and smooth. In addition to this (and while not a skincare benefit), isododecane contributes to the cream-like or soft texture of many formulas so that they can easily (and evenly) glide silicones and pigments onto the skin.
WHO SHOULD USE IT: Anyone experiencing dryness or anyone who uses makeup, as long as they’re not allergic. “It is great for people with very dry and dull skin, especially those who have impaired barriers from eczema, seborrhea, psoriasis, and rosacea,” Chimento explains.
WHEN YOU CAN USE IT: Isododecane can be applied twice a day topically, at morning and at night during your skincare routine.
WORKS WELL WITH: Virtually any other beauty product, as long as you’re storing it properly in a cool, dry area. “It is non-comedogenic and has a matte feel, so it is also great for patients that have oily skin and are acne-prone. Essentially, anyone can use it,” Chimento says.
DON’T USE WITH: According to Chimento, those with super-sensitive skin types, a history of atopic dermatitis, or a known allergy to the ingredient should not use isododecane.
What Is Isododecane?
Isododecane is both a solvent and an emollient which, in short, means that it helps keep your skin hydrated and disperses other appearance-enhancing ingredients across the skin, Patel says.
What Are the Benefits?
- Creates a more even tone: On the surface, your makeup will look visibly more even-toned and luminous when it contains isododecane, Chimento says.
- Strengthens the skin's barrier: Below the epidermis, you’ll feel that isododecane creates a stronger skin barrier, stopping moisture from escaping and reducing dryness or flakiness overall, she explains.
- Helps retain moisture: Isododecane helps the skin retain moisture, so it's excellent for dryer types.
- Doesn't leave a residue: Isododecane is formulated to glide on easily, and glide off just as easily (so it won't leave behind a sticky film or residue).
- Imparts a silky-smooth texture: Isododecane also plays a role in the way your makeup and skincare actually *feels*. “It imparts a silky smooth feel to products while giving a dry touch finish,” Chimento says. So yeah, the cream-like, supersoft texture of your moisturizer, concealer, foundation, etc.? That often comes from isododecane.
- Fast absorbing: Unlike some skincare products, isododecane quickly absorbs into the skin, meaning you lose less product.
- Non-irritating: For the most part, isododecane is non-irritating and safe for use on all skin types.
- Multiple forms of use: As isododecane is used in a wide range of topical products, there are plenty of options for how and when you can use it.
Side Effects of Isododecane
Sure, isododecane is synthetic. But our experts say that in limited quantities (like when you're using it in your beauty routine!), it’s not going to do you any harm. “It is not absorbed into the body, so there is little data on the effects,” Patel says. “It has also been used for decades in beauty products, and there are no reported side effects to study.”
And for those of you with sensitive skin, you should be fine using products with isododecane, Chimento says. But if you’ve got more than one skin allergy, or a history of allergies related to that specific chemical, you’re safer staying away.
“In most people, such small amounts don’t cause any significant side effects. However, even such trace amounts can cause contact dermatitis in very sensitive skin,” Chimento says, which is why she recommends checking with your doctor before using it if you’re concerned about sensitivity levels.
How and When to Use Isododecane
Essentially, feel free to use products with isododecane as you please, but be sure to store them properly. Patel recommends keeping them in a cool, dry place and not using them past their expiration date (they have a shelf life of about two to five years).