Octyldodecanol is a long-chain fatty alcohol used as an emollient and solvent/carrier in cosmetic formulas. It is a clear, colorless to nearly colorless, low-odor liquid and is commonly derived from palm kernel or coconut sources.

In finished formulas it improves spreadability and after-feel (more slip, less drag), and it can help dissolve oil-soluble materials such as fragrance components and some actives.

Because it is low-polar and water-insoluble but oil-soluble, it behaves as an oil-phase material in emulsions and anhydrous systems; suppliers also describe it as stable to hydrolysis and usable across a wide pH range (commonly cited ~pH 3-10).

Product Description:

- Functional roles: emollient/slip agent; solvent/carrier for oil-soluble ingredients; low-odor perfuming support.

- Typical applications: skin care, sun care, and color cosmetics (creams/lotions, sunscreens, foundations, lipsticks, balms/sticks).

- In color cosmetics it can help wet pigments and improve glide when paired with waxes, esters, and/or film formers.

- In sunscreens it can improve skin feel and help keep oil-soluble ingredients evenly distributed in the oil phase.

- Some supplier notes mention it as a solvent option for salicylic acid; confirm solubility and run crystallization/stability checks in the full formula.

- Safety snapshot (CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review): Octyldodecanol was concluded safe as currently used in cosmetics, with low irritation/sensitization potential reported in human testing and negative phototoxicity/photosensitization findings for products containing these alcohols.

- Practical lab tips: ladder 2%, 5%, 10% to tune sensory; run freeze-thaw and long-term stability (phase separation in emulsions; sweating or crystallization in sticks/balms); monitor odor, color, and purity for fragrance- or pigment-sensitive formulas.

Usage: Suitable for skin care, sun care, and color cosmetics where improved slip/spread and oil-phase solvency are desired.

Mixing method:

- Add to the oil phase (O/W or W/O emulsions) and heat with oils/waxes as required by your system.

- Treat as an oil-phase ingredient in anhydrous systems; it can also be used to pre-dissolve oil-soluble materials before emulsification.

- Compatible over a wide pH range (commonly cited ~pH 3-10); verify overall formula stability and compatibility.

Usage rate: 2-20%

Supplier guidance commonly suggests ~2-20% depending on product type and sensorial target. Historical industry-use ranges reported by CIR span from <0.1% up to >50% across product categories (higher levels are typically for anhydrous sticks/balms).

Product characteristics: Clear, colorless to nearly colorless liquid, low-odor/odorless

Solubility: Water-insoluble; miscible in alcohol and soluble in oils/paraffinic oils

Storage: Store tightly closed at room temperature, protected from heat and direct sunlight. Maintain good hygiene to avoid contamination.

INCI Name: Octyldodecanol