Should You Be Concerned About Isoparaffin In Your Cosmetics?

Understand the A to Z of isoparaffin and how it may work for your skin.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Gill, MBBCH, MRCP

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy... more

Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Experience: 11 years

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more

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Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 years

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• Sep 12, 2023

Should You Be Concerned About Isoparaffin In Your Cosmetics

Image: ShutterStock

Have you ever used isoparaffin for skin or products containing it? Does its presence in a product make you think twice before purchasing it? Most of us are scared of applying products with petroleum ingredients such as liquid paraffin oil or other paraffin derivatives on our skin. Isoparaffin ingredient found in creams, lip balms, deodorants, foundations, lotions, and almost everything.

Is there any reason for you to be concerned about isoparaffin? What are the reasons for all the controversies regarding isoparaffin? Should you really avoid it? Keep reading to learn the answers to the queries and the truth about isoparaffin.

Know Your Ingredient: Isoparaffin

What Is It?
A type of odorless, petroleum-based mineral oil.

What Are Its Benefits?
It helps lock in skin moisture, repairs the skin, strengthens barrier function, and prevents irritants from penetrating the skin.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone with dry and flaky skin can use isoparaffin, even pregnant women.

How Often?
You can use it every day.

Caution
Avoid isoparaffin-based products if you have oily and pimple-prone skin, as they may aggravate your acne.

In This Article

What Is Isoparaffin?

Image: Shutterstock

Isoparaffin is a type of petroleum-based mineral oil or alkane found in creams, lotions, and moisturizers. There are 24 different isoparaffins used in cosmetic and skincare product formulations to add texture and make them viscous. It is the ingredient that gives your daily creams a thick and creamy feel without greasiness.

The most common isoparaffins found in cosmetic formulations include (1):

Isoparaffins	Functions In Cosmetics
C 7-8, C 8-9, C 9-11, C 9-12, C 9-13, C 9-14, C 10-11, C 10-12, C 11-14 isoparaffins	Solvents, Viscosity decreasing agents
C 9-16, C 12-20, C 20-40 Isoparaffins Isoeicosane Isohexadecane	Skin conditioning agent, emollient, solvents
C 10-13, C 11-13, C 12-14, C 13-14, C 13-16 Isoparaffins Isooctane	Solvents
C 11-12, C 15-35 Isoparaffins	Skin conditioning agent, miscellaneous solvents
C 18-70	Skin conditioning agent, occlusive
Isododecane: 1,1-Dineopentylethylene Heptane, 2,2,6,6- Tetramethyl4-Methylene- 2,2,4,6,6-Pentamethylheptane; 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-4 Methyleneheptane;	Fragrance ingredients, solvents

This additive is made of carbon and hydrogen atoms, does not cause any reaction, and mixes well with other ingredients to enhance your skin. This brings us to the most concerning question – is isoparaffin safe for the skin? Let’s find out.

Is Isoparaffin A Safe Ingredient For Your Skin?

Image: Shutterstock

The answer is – yes!

According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel, isoparaffins are safe to use in cosmetic formulations. The concentration of isoparaffins used in beauty products ranges from 0.0001% (C13-14 Isoparaffin) to 90% (Isodedocane). The expert panel did not find any evidence of carcinogenic potential from exposure to isoparaffins in cosmetics (1).

What if you inhale it when you use hair sprays and deodorants? Well, the average particle diameter in aerosol sprays has a mean of ~38 µm, and 99% of the isoparaffin particle diameter range between 10–110 µm. Hence, anything less than 10 µm is respirable. This means isoparaffins in aerosols are non-respirable (1).

In animal studies, isoparaffins caused skin sensitization and ocular irritation. However, in human studies, these chemicals, whether used alone or in formulations, were found tolerable and not classified as irritants, sensitizers, phototoxicⁱXAny specific chemical or substance that causes toxic effects on the skin when exposed to excess sunlight. , or photosensitizersⁱXA class of chemicals that increase sensitivity to light and make the skin irritable or inflamed. (2).

Only isohexadecane (undiluted) induced mild skin irritation in patients. However, it did not induce irritation when used in 10% concentration (in petrolatum).

Other than this,

The FDA permits using a synthetic form of isoparaffin hydrocarbons to coat fruits and vegetables (3).
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most harmful), the Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates C13-14 isoparaffin as 1 in terms of safety (4).

However, according to dermatology, there are some safety concerns regarding the possible contamination of isoparaffins.

Side Effects And Risks Associated With Isoparaffin

Image: Shutterstock

Since isoparaffin is derived from petroleum, there are chances of 1,4-dioxane contamination, which may cause skin irritation and allergies, and the FDA considers it as a potential human carcinogen. However, an evaluation of products to trace the presence of 1,4-dioxane by the International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulations (ICCR) reported that the chemical levels are within the acceptable margin. Therefore, the expert panel concluded that trace levels of 1,4-dioxane (less than 10 ppm) in cosmetic products are safe (5), (6).

Quick Tip

Isoparaffin may not be suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. As it forms a protective layer on the skin, it may lock the bacteria in, worsening the acne.

You must now be relieved that you do not have to discard all your products containing isoparaffin! Let’s try to understand how this ingredient works in synergy with the other ingredients in your product to benefit you.

Benefits Of Isoparaffin For Skin

Image: Shutterstock

Isoparaffin works as an emollient and has semi-occlusive properties. It:

Helps lock in skin moisture (best for dry skin).
Repairs the skin and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
Prevents the extremal irritants from penetrating the skin.
Ensures smooth product application.
Feels weightless and does not choke the skin pores.
Gives the desired matte finish (when used in creams and lipsticks).

Quick Tip

Dermatologists recommend daily use of isoparaffin for dry and flaky skin. It goes well with many other ingredients and is not known to interact poorly.

How To Use Isoparaffin For Skin

Woman using body cream containing isoparaffin.

Image: Shutterstock

Isoparaffin is included in skin and hair care products, such as creams, lotions, and moisturizers, and you do not get it separately.

As a moisturizer, this ingredient is suitable for dry and flaky skin. Check the ingredients of the products before buying them. Though isoparaffin on its own is non-comedogenicⁱXAny substance or ingredient found in skin care and makeup products that does not clog pores. , since it may also function as an occlusive, it is better to avoid it if you have acne-prone or oily skin.

Infographic: Top Advantages Of Isoparaffin For Skin

Isoparaffin is a versatile ingredient commonly found in lotions, lip balms, deodorants, and creams. It offers various benefits, making it a valuable addition to your skin care routine. Check out the following infographic to learn how this ingredient improves overall skin appearance and health.

top advantages of isoparaffin for skin (infographic)

Isoparaffin is a petroleum-based alkaline used in moisturizers, lotions, and many skincare and personal care products. Studies suggest that it is safe to use isoparaffin for your skin in limited quantities. Its semi-occlusive and emollient properties help your skin retain moisture, strengthen your skin barrier, and protect the skin from environmental pollutants. It also allows the smooth application of cosmetic products on your skin. While isoparaffin is ideal for dry and flaky skin, conduct a patch test before using isoparaffin-rich products. If you experience any adverse reaction, stop its usage and consult a dermatologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Isoparaffin the same as paraffin?

Paraffin are saturated hydrocarbons with a tree-like structure, whereas isoparaffins are paraffin derivatives with a branched-chain structure. Isoparaffins are commonly used in cosmetic formulations.

Is Isoparaffin safe for pregnancy?

Animal studies suggest that isoparaffins do not induce any adverse effects and are safe to use during pregnancy (2).

Is Isoparaffin organic or inorganic?

Isoparaffin is organic in nature as it is composed of organic molecules and other organic compounds.

Is Isoparaffin water soluble?

No, isoparaffin is not water soluble in nature. It is a colorless liquid that does not mix with water, much like oil.

Key Takeaways

Isoparaffin, a petroleum-based mineral oil, is used in many lotions, creams, and moisturizers.
It gives a viscous shine to the products and adds texture to them.
Scientific evidence suggests that isoparaffin is generally safe as the usage percentage of the compound is very less.
However, skin irritation and allergies are seen in some sensitive individuals.

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the hidden truths behind your favorite cosmetics. Join us as we unveil the mysteries, controversies, and safety concerns surrounding these everyday products. Prepare to be enlightened and empowered.

References

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