Tridecane

Emollient that is known for offering a lightweight, smooth glide to skin care formulations 

Touted for prolonging wear of makeup formulations 

Found in okra and other natural sources 

Often used as an alternative to silicones (for those who prefer such)

Tridecane is an emollient that belongs to the class of chemical compounds known as alkanes. It is typically used in tandem with other alkane emollients (such as undecane, pentadecane, or dodecane) to form a lightweight, smooth glide base for skin care formulations.

Suppliers also tout its use in makeup, where it is said to help prolong wear. Additionally, it can be used as a solvent.

Tridecane is often marketed as an alternative to silicone ingredients* because it delivers similar properties, including the ability to absorb quickly and leave a non-greasy finish.

*Note: Silicones aren’t inherently bad—rather formulating with or without them is a matter of preference (see related ingredients for more info).

As a raw material, tridecane is described as a transparent oily liquid. It can be derived from plants such as okra, as well as other natural sources. Typical usage level in cosmetics ranges from 2–10%.

See: Silicone