Ingredient

C9-12 Alkane

Low risk

Also known asnonane / decane / undecane / dodecane blend, plant-derived light alkane, C9-C12 hydrocarbon

FunctionEmollient

What it is — C9-12 Alkane is a blend of saturated hydrocarbons with 9 to 12 carbon atoms. It is lighter and more volatile than C13-14 Alkane and is often produced from renewable plant feedstocks, though sourcing varies by supplier. It is chemically inert.

What it does — It gives immediate slip and a dry, weightless feel, helps a cream spread quickly, and partly evaporates rather than sitting on the hair. It is the usual plant-based stand-in for cyclomethicone-type silicones.

Typical use — Hair colour creams, serums, dry-touch conditioners and skin care. In the GDS Hair Dye Shampoo it is declared in the Brown and Dark Brown formulas together with C13-14 Alkane.

Who it suits / good to know — Suits fine hair and anyone avoiding silicones, since it leaves no build-up. Its volatility is why some colour creams feel lighter after a few minutes on the hair.

Safety — Saturated alkanes of this chain length are inert, non-irritating and not sensitising, and are not restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Keep the product away from open flame while applying, as with any volatile ingredient. This is general information, not medical advice.

Why we grade it Low: Low risk — a chemically inert saturated hydrocarbon with no regulatory restriction and no known sensitisation potential; a common silicone alternative.
Cross-reference

Found in these DHALIORA products

Found in 0 DHALIORA products

Not currently in any DHALIORA product.

How grades are set — Risk reflects our own reading of publicly available safety data, an EWG-style reading shown at the worst-case grade we've assigned this ingredient across products. It isn't a third party's proprietary score, and it isn't medical advice. Always read the packaging and patch-test where indicated.
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