Hydrogenated Farnesene

Hydrogenated farnesene is a saturated hydrocarbon emollient (squalane-like) typically used at a few percent up to higher levels as a lightweight skin-feel/occlusive agent, and hydrocarbons of this type are generally low on irritation in patch testing when properly purified. It is not an active, acid, or preservative, and it lacks the volatile/fragrant profile that commonly drives irritation; the main risk is rare intolerance or impurity-related reactions, so it fits a very gentle score for most sensitive-skin routines. Safety Notes: Hydrogenated farnesene (INCI often listed as Hydrogenated Farnesene/Neossance Hemisqualane) is used at low levels (~0.1–1%) as a lightweight emollient/slip agent or to aid pigment wetting and sensorial feel in serums, lotions, and cleansers, where it functions as a minor oil-phase component. In consumer-available leave-on oils, facial oils, and anhydrous balms marketed around “hemisqualane,” it commonly appears at higher levels (5–15%) and can be used up to ~20% as a primary emollient/hydrocarbon replacement while maintaining good spread and volatility; rinse-off formats generally sit toward the lower end due to cost and wash-off.