C13-14 Isoparaffin

C13-14 Isoparaffin is an inert, mineral-oil–derived emollient/solvent used in leave-on products (often a few to ~10%+) to improve slip and reduce transepidermal water loss, and it is generally non-stinging and well tolerated in sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Clinical experience and patch-test data support a low rate of true irritation or allergy, but in highly reactive individuals its occlusive nature and formulation context (e.g., surfactants, preservatives) can still contribute to occasional discomfort or follicular issues, so it is best scored as very gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: C13-14 Isoparaffin is most often used as the oil-phase carrier in gel-cream textures (commonly paired with Laureth-7) and appears at low levels (~0.1–1%) in emulsions/cleansers mainly as a slip/solvent aid or as part of a pre-blended thickening system. In leave-on gel creams and some primers, commercial formulas commonly use it in the mid-single to low-double digits, and the highest consumer-available products observed (very anhydrous/gelled hydrocarbon bases or high-slip makeup/skin primers) can reach ~20–25% without being prescription or professional-only. Rinse-off products generally sit toward the lower end due to surfactant dilution and cost/feel targets, while leave-on texture gels drive the upper end.

Suitability