Hexadecane
AKA “n-Hexadecane, Cetane, n-Cetane, NSC-7334, PARAFOL 16-97”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Hexadecane
AKA: N-Hexadecane, Cetane, N-Cetane, NSC-7334, PARAFOL 16-97
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 5
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight emollient that softens and smooths skin without leaving a greasy feel. Derived from natural plant sources, it helps lock in moisture.
Solubility In water, 2.1X10-5 mg/L at 25 °C
Formula
C16H34
Mol. Weight
226.44
CAS #
544-76-3
State
N-hexadecane is a colorless liquid. (NTP, 1992)
See origin →
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Softens & Smooths
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Isohexadecane
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hexadecane
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Isohexadecane
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
(64)Cu-1,4,7,10-4,11-Bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane-rhenium-cyclized-[Cys(3,4,10),D-Phe(7),Arg(11)]α-MSH(3-13).
Leung K
, 2004
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR