Coconut Alkanes
Plant-derived emollient made from coconut oil. Substitutes silicones and mineral oil – gives a dry, slippery feel without a film. Often near the top of INCI lists in organic creams and foundations. Non-comedogenic.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Coconut Alkanes (Cocoalkanes) is a plant emollient, a mix of saturated C13-C15 hydrocarbons from coconut oil. Light, non-occlusive texture with a dry, silky feel. Marketed as a "natural alternative to silicones" (cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane) and mineral oil. Where applied. Light creams and serums, fluids, makeup primers, BB and CC creams, foundations, hair products (shine without weighing down). Concentration 1-50%. In Spain – Mádara, Freshly Cosmetics, Mantra Naturals, RYE Madrid, La Mer Skincare. Mechanism. Spreads in a thin film, gives a "velvet" feel without oily residue. Non-comedogenic. Helps disperse pigments and UV filters in decorative and sun products. Evidence base. Functional emollient. No direct clinical efficacy – sensory and formulation role. Per Ecocert (2017) data – replaces cyclomethicone in eco formulas, sensory comparable. Volatility controversy vs cyclomethicone. Cyclomethicone evaporates from skin in 5-15 minutes – gives a "dry" effect. Coconut alkanes are less volatile – stay on the skin longer, which some brands count as a plus (longer hydration), others as a minus (heavier sensory profile). Safety. CIR has not issued a dedicated review, but C13-C15 hydrocarbons are SCCS-recognized as safe. Biodegradable (unlike cyclomethicone). Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions extremely rare. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage on any area, including breast and nipples during breastfeeding. Suitable for. Universal. Especially good in oily-combination skin formulas, decorative cosmetics, silicone-free "clean" formulas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coconut Alkanes safe during pregnancy?
Coconut Alkanes is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Coconut Alkanes for?
Coconut Alkanes suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Coconut Alkanes and what does it do in cosmetics?
Plant-derived emollient made from coconut oil.
What's the INCI name for Coconut Alkanes?
The INCI name is Coconut Alkanes. It may also appear as: Coco-Alkanes.
See Coconut Alkanes in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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