SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES
SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES falls under Annex II, entry 881 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — an entry that prohibits the substance only under the conditions it sets out. Read the entry below before drawing a conclusion, and check the Safety Gate alerts.
Regulatory data checked on 2026-09-05. The legal status follows Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and its annexes; the substance is identified from the European Commission's CosIng database.
About the ingredient
Sesqui-(C8-10 Alkyl) C12-16 Alkanes is a branched hydrocarbon produced by the condensation of a mixture of capryl and lauryl alcohols to yield a mixture of Guerbet alcohols, followed by dehydration, and hydrogenation. This produces a mixture of C12-16 alkanes with one or two C8-10 alkyl substituents.
EU regulatory status
Annex of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009: II/881
What entry II/881 of the Regulation says
Alkanes, C12-26-branched and linear, except if the full refining history is known and it can be shown that the substance from which it is produced is not a carcinogen
Source: the European Commission's official CosIng database and Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products. How we assess ingredients — full methodology.
Last updated:
Functions in cosmetics
Frequently asked questions
Is SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES safe in cosmetics?
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In which annex of Regulation 1223/2009 does SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES fall?
SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES falls under reference II/881 in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. An annex entry may name a substance directly or cover it as part of a broader category. The first part (Roman numeral) indicates the annex: II – prohibited substances, III – substances restricted by conditions, IV – permitted colorants, V – permitted preservatives, VI – permitted UV filters.
What functions does SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES perform in cosmetics?
According to the European Commission's CosIng database, SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES performs the following functions in cosmetics: SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT. Functions are defined in the CosIng glossary and describe the technological role of a substance in the finished product.
Are there Safety Gate alerts concerning SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES?
Our copy of the EU Safety Gate database currently contains no alerts linking SESQUI-C12-16 ALKANES to a cosmetic recall. The database is refreshed regularly from the European Commission's official Safety Gate system.