67.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
emollient · solvent · skin conditioning agent · occlusive agent
ALKANES, C11-13-ISO-
Category
hydrocarbon
Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and household products, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in cosmetic formulations
- Not applied to broken or irritated skin
- Used in well-ventilated areas for household products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- Using in combination with other active ingredients
- Exposed to high temperatures during use
✕ Avoid If:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- You have a known allergy to hydrocarbons
- Using on open wounds or mucous membranes
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Moisturizers, sunscreens, hair conditioners. Generally safe in cosmetic products when used as directed.
Food
Food packaging materials. Use in food contact materials is regulated; ensure compliance.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, creams. Used in formulations; consult a healthcare provider for concerns.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Use in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation risks.
Supplement
None identified. No known supplement uses; consult a professional for advice.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to alkanes, C11-13-iso- is generally low risk for skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of alkanes, C11-13-iso- may pose moderate risks due to potential gastrointestinal irritation.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low to moderate risk, depending on concentration and duration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with alkanes, C11-13-iso- may cause irritation, thus moderate risk is noted.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk due to developing systems and potential for greater sensitivity.
- pregnant — Increased sensitivity to chemical exposures during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with proper use.
- elderly — Typically low risk but should be monitored for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate low exposure levels without significant effects. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have increased sensitivity to chemical exposures. |
| infants_children | High | Infants and children are more vulnerable to chemical exposures due to their developing systems. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; caution is advised. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals typically have a lower risk but may have increased sensitivity. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from dermal exposure. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Alkanes, C11-13-iso- are generally safe for use in cosmetics and household products based on current assessments.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | Not established | Rat - Oral gavage | Insufficient data | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating | Human patch test | Low irritation potential | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | Non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2019) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Alkanes, C11-13-iso- are generally safe for use in cosmetics and household products based on current assessments.
- Used primarily as emollients and solvents.
- Low toxicity and irritation potential in controlled studies.
- Regulatory bodies support their safe use in specified applications.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Alkanes
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Alkanes in Cosmetics
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Safety of Alkanes in Food Contact Materials
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Safe for use in food contact applications.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Alkanes, C11-13-iso- are permitted for use in cosmetics and food contact materials across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
They are commonly used as emollients in cosmetics and as solvents in household products.
While generally safe, they may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; caution is advised.
It's best to perform a patch test first or consult a dermatologist before use.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T17:31:36.161106Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.