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Hydrogenated Polydecene

Synthetic hydrocarbon emollient — the closest analogue to mineral oil without its reputational issues. Lightweight, clear, odorless. Provides luxurious slip without greasiness, ideal for "dry oil" textures and premium facial products.

dry oilHydrocarbon emollientOdorlessSlip

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Polydecene (and Hydrogenated Polydecene) — synthetic polymers based on 1-decene. Hydrogenated Polydecene — saturated (stable) analogue without residual double bonds. Molecular weight varies: low MW (~500) — light liquid variants, high MW (~1000+) — more viscous. INCI: Hydrogenated Polydecene or Polydecene. Clear, colorless, and odorless. Does not oxidize (saturated). Higher quality and purer analogue of mineral oil (mineral oil, paraffinum liquidum). Resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis.

Dry oil sprays, light serums and essences for the face, foundations and primers, sunscreen products (solvent for UV filters). Replaces mineral oil in "mineral oil free" formulas.

Key Benefits

✦

"Dry touch" feel — luxury without greasiness

Hydrogenated Polydecene has a unique "dry" feel on the skin: excellent initial slip, but minimal residual greasy layer after absorption. Unlike plant oils and mineral oil — does not leave greasy marks on fabric and does not give a "greasy" feeling. This texture has made PAO a standard in premium formulas and lightweight sunscreen products.

◈

Chemical stability — no oxidation and rancidity

Plant oils oxidize and go rancid, changing the smell and effectiveness of the formula. Hydrogenated Polydecene — a saturated hydrocarbon, completely resistant to oxidation, photodegradation, and hydrolysis. Extends the shelf life of the product and allows avoiding antioxidants (tocopherol, BHT) for protecting the emollient base.

✧

Solvent for UV filters and fat-soluble actives

Hydrogenated Polydecene — an excellent solvent for organic UV filters (DHHB, BEMT, octinoxate) and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Allows achieving maximum concentration of filters in the oil phase, enhancing the effectiveness of SPF formulas. Broader range of solubility than in essential oils and plant oils.

Suitable for

Oily skinCombination skinAll skin types

Main Actions

✓ Dry-touch emollience✓ Solvent for UV filters and actives✓ Formula stabilization

PAO vs Mineral Oil — the difference

Mineral oil (paraffinum liquidum) — a petrochemical product with a wide range of quality. PAO (polyalphaolefin, polydecene) — synthetic, precisely defined MW, higher purity. Both are hydrocarbon emollients, both are well tolerated by the skin, both are NOT comedogenic (contrary to popular myth). PAO is the "premium" version in a marketing sense, mineral oil is cheaper but no less safe. The choice between them is a matter of texture and marketing, not safety.

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