Isododecane: The Versatile Carrier Behind High-Performance Formulations

Formulators in cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing face a recurring challenge: finding a single raw material that delivers consistent sensory performance, broad compatibility, and a clean compliance record. Isododecane has become the go-to answer to that challenge, and at California Chemical, every lot we supply is backed by verified analytical data and a documented regulatory profile.

What Is Isododecane?

Isododecane is a branched-chain hydrocarbon carrier with the molecular formula C12H26 and a molecular weight of approximately 170 g/mol. It is supplied as a mixture of isomers, primarily 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane (~85%) and 2,2,4,4,6-pentamethylheptane (~13%), with a small fraction of other C12 hydrocarbons, and is registered under CAS number 31807-55-3.

Clear, colorless, and low-viscosity with only a slight odor, Isododecane is insoluble in water but fully miscible with oils, waxes, resins, and silicones. That combination of properties defines exactly the non-aqueous carrier profile formulators look for when precision and performance are non-negotiable.

Verified Specifications

Material performance depends on tight specification control. The table below reflects typical results tested against California Chemical's release specifications:

• Density (15°C): 0.7507 g/cm³ (spec: 0.740–0.760 g/cm³)

• Initial boiling point: 177.5°C (spec: 175°C min)

• Dry point: 179.3°C (spec: 185°C max)

• Percent recovery: 98.0% (spec: Report)

• Color (CBT): 30 min (spec: +28 min)

• Flash point: 45°C (spec: 40°C min)

• Sulfur content: <0.1 ppm (spec: 1 ppm max)

The near-absent sulfur content reflects a tightly refined, low-impurity grade, a meaningful distinction for any product applied to skin or used in a precision pharmaceutical format. Actual properties may vary lot to lot; customers should confirm the current Certificate of Analysis for material received.

Why Formulators Specify It

Three properties explain most of Isododecane's appeal:

Lightweight, dry-touch feel. Low viscosity and density translate into a weightless application experience, without the heaviness or tack associated with heavier oils or conventional carriers.

Controlled volatility. Isododecane evaporates cleanly after application, leaving pigments, film-formers, or actives precisely in place without sticky or greasy residue. This is the mechanism behind transfer-resistant color cosmetics and fast-setting sprays.

Broad compatibility. As a non-polar carrier, it dissolves and disperses oils, waxes, resins, and pigments effectively, helping formulations achieve uniform, evenly-spreading consistency across diverse systems.

Applications

Cosmetics and Personal Care
Isododecane is the most widely used carrier in personal care formulation. It functions as a lightweight emollient and pigment-carrying medium in liquid lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners, and setting sprays, supporting long wear and transfer resistance. In skincare and gel-based formats, it reduces tackiness and improves spreadability. It is widely regarded as non-comedogenic and suitable across all skin types.

Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical formulations rely on the same carrying and texture properties for topical applications, transdermal delivery systems, and specialty creams. Consistent spreadability and a chemically inert carrier are critical in these formats, and Isododecane delivers both.

Industrial
Where a non-aqueous carrier system is required to protect moisture-sensitive components or deliver active ingredients in a controlled way, Isododecane provides a reliable, well-characterized solution.

Regulatory and Compliance Profile

California Chemical maintains a full regulatory data sheet for Isododecane, supporting customers through vendor qualification for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Current certifications and statements include:

• Heavy metals: Free of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury

• Animal testing: Compliant with the EU Animal Testing Ban (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009); no animal testing performed on this raw material since March 2013

• Vegan and BSE/TSE-free: No animal by-products or derivatives involved at any stage of manufacture

• CMR-free: No Category 1A, 1B, or 2 carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances

• Free of: 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, GMOs, food allergens, fragrance allergens, nanomaterials, palm-derived substances, parabens, PFAS, phthalates, pesticides, and sulfates

• Global regulatory alignment: Listed on China's IECSC/IECIC inventories; compliant with EU Regulation 1223/2009, the Canadian Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, Korea MFDS requirements, the U.S. FD&C Act (21 CFR 700-740), and California Proposition 65

• Material origin: Derived from petrochemical sources

Full regulatory statements and the current Safety Data Sheet are available on request. Most procurement and quality teams request these alongside the Certificate of Analysis as part of standard vendor qualification.

Handling and Safety

Per the current Safety Data Sheet (v1.2), Isododecane is classified as a Category 3 flammable liquid (flash point 45°C) with a Category 1 aspiration hazard if swallowed. Standard precautions for a hydrocarbon carrier of this class apply:

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames

• Use grounded and bonded containers with non-sparking tools to prevent static discharge

• Keep containers tightly sealed and stored securely

• Use appropriate PPE, including chemical-proof gloves, eye and face protection, and protective clothing when handling in volume

These are routine industrial controls standard for this material class and should be incorporated into storage and handling protocols from the outset.

Sourcing Isododecane from California Chemical

California Chemical supplies Isododecane with current Certificates of Analysis and complete regulatory documentation on every shipment. For procurement and operations teams evaluating suppliers, that means:

• Verified analytical results, not generic typical-value claims

• A documented compliance package covering major global cosmetic and chemical regulations

• Direct access to technical and compliance documentation to support your vendor qualification process

Contact our sales team for current pricing, lead times, samples, or to request the full documentation package, including TDS, SDS, COA, and RDS, for your qualification file.