C15-35 Isoparaffin/Isoalkylcycloalkanes
AKA “Isoparaffin, Isoalkylcycloalkanes, Mineral Oil
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
C15-35 isoparaffin/isoalkylcycloalkanes
AKA: Mineral Oil
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
C15-35 Isoparaffin/Isoalkylcycloalkanes is a petroleum fraction consisting chiefly of C15-35 branched chain hydrocarbons and branched chain cyclic hydrocarbons Science: Functions: Skin Conditioning Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
CAS #
-
Form
Oil
See origin →
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.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic hydrocarbon mixture developed as a mineral oil alternative in modern cosmetics. Created in the 20th century as an occlusive emollient and solvent.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
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 Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Safety Assessment of Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
C10-11 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C10-12 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C10-13 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C11-12 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C11-13 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C11-14 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-14 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-20 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C13-14 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C13-16 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C15-35 Isoparaffin/Isoalkylcycloalkanes
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C18-70 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C20-40 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C7-8 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C8-9 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C9-11 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C9-12 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C9-13 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C9-14 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C9-16 Isoparaffin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C10-11 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C10-13 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C11-12 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C11-13 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C12-14 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C12-20 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C13-16 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C18-70 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C8-9 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C9-11 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C9-13 Isoparaffin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Contact dermatitis caused by polyacrylamide/C13-4 isoparaffin/laureth-7 mix in an emollient cream for atopic skin.
Jaulent C, Dereure O, Raison-Peyron N
Contact dermatitis, 2019
Mineral Oil Dermal Penetration Review
Petry T, Bury D, Fautz R, Hauser M, Huber B, Marber A, et al.
Toxicology Letters, 2017
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR