Barrier

Isododecane

INCI · Isododecane

Revelika safety grade

Overview

A volatile branched hydrocarbon that spreads a product thinly and then evaporates, leaving whatever it carried behind. That behaviour is why it is the backbone of long-wear makeup and of sunscreens that need to lay down an even film without feeling wet.

Who it's for

Transfer-resistant lip and eye products, waterproof formulas, and hair oils and primers that must not feel greasy.

Cautions

Because it evaporates rather than staying on skin, it does not moisturise and can leave a formula feeling drier than an equivalent non-volatile oil. It is also a strong solvent, which is why removing products built on it usually needs an oil or balm rather than water.

Suitability
Suits skin type
Dry Oily Combination Sensitive Acne-prone Mature Normal
Targets
Concentration
Concentration0 – 10%
Effective from
Max safe
In the glossary
Frequently asked
What does Isododecane do in skincare?

A volatile branched hydrocarbon that spreads a product thinly and then evaporates, leaving whatever it carried behind. That behaviour is why it is the backbone of long-wear makeup and of sunscreens that need to lay down an even film without feeling wet.

Is Isododecane considered safe for skin?

Because it evaporates rather than staying on skin, it does not moisturise and can leave a formula feeling drier than an equivalent non-volatile oil. It is also a strong solvent, which is why removing products built on it usually needs an oil or balm rather than water.

RRevelika

A science-forward beauty ingredient encyclopedia. Every entry is written from published research and graded conservatively before it publishes.

Editorial standard

Content is educational, not medical advice. When evidence is uncertain we say so — and we default to caution on pregnancy safety.

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© 2026 REVELIKA · Built by ThirteenTabsEvidence-based · written from published research, graded conservatively