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Octyldodecanol

Ultralight branched fatty alcohol — one of the best dry-feel emollients. Octyldodecanol leaves the skin silky without a greasy shine and is a popular carrier for lipophilic actives in lightweight formulations.

dry-feelEmollientBranched alcoholSilkiness

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Octyldodecanol (2-octyldodecanol) — branched fatty alcohol C20. Obtained from coconut or palm oil. Branched structure → does not pack into crystals → remains liquid at room temperature → light dry-feel texture. Excellent solvent for retinol, vitamin E, essential oils. In INCI: Octyldodecanol.

Carrier and emollient in lightweight serums, retinol formulations, and sunscreens. Popular in K-beauty and Japanese cosmetics for dry-touch feel.

Key Benefits

✦

Dry-feel without greasy shine

The branched structure prevents molecule packing — remains liquid and spreads thinly, providing a silky dry feel without greasy residue.

◈

Excellent solvent for actives

Dissolves retinol, carotenoids, vitamin E, essential oils, and UVF filters — enhances their stability and even distribution in the formulation.

✧

Enhanced penetration of lipophilic actives

Liquid emollient-carrier transports lipophilic actives through the skin's lipid barrier more effectively than solid fats and waxes.

Suitable for

Suitable for all skin typesOily skin (dry touch)Combination skin

Main Actions

✓ Dry-feel emollient✓ Active solvent✓ Silky texture✓ Carrier for lipophilic ingredients

Dicaprylyl Carbonate — a modern alternative

Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Cetiol CC) often stands alongside octyldodecanol in INCI lists — both dry-feel emollient carriers. Dicaprylyl carbonate — an ester of carbonic acid and caprylic chain, even lighter and popular in mineral sunscreens as a carrier for ZnO.

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