Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Merat, E., Roso, A., Dumaine, M., & Sigurani, S. (2022). Sensory evaluation of cosmetic functional ingredients. In Nonfood Sensory Practices (pp. 197-216). Woodhead Publishing.

Abstract. This chapter is dedicated to the sensorial assessment of raw materials that are the functional components in cosmetic products. After discussing the necessary safety and regulatory framework, readers will discover how to standardize any ingredient conditions such as evaluation, thickeners, emulsifiers, texturing, or softness agents. While the main application is in the field of skin care, there are also other cases for hair care and foaming ingredients. Some protocols and results are shown as examples for triangulation, ranking, profiling, and illustrate the effect of one ingredient in a formulation from an innovation or quality control context.

Huang, Z. (2009). Alkane metathesis via tandem catalysis (Doctoral dissertation, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).

Abstract. Alkane metathesis (AM) has potentially tremendous applicability via converting low-value alkanes (C3-C9) from the Fisher-Tropsch process into linear alkanes in the diesel fuel range (C10-C19). A well-defined and highly efficient tandem catalytic system for the metathesis of n-alkanes has been developed. The system is comprised of one pincer Ir catalyst that effects alkane dehydrogenation and olefin hydrogenation, and a second catalyst for olefin metathesis. The catalytic system shows complete selectivity for linear alkane products. ...

Vukašinović, M., Savić, S., Cekić, N., Ilić, T., Pantelić, I., & Savić, S. D. (2023). Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment. Pharmaceutics, 15(2), 486.

Abstract. Since natural-origin, sustainable ingredients are preferred by modern consumers, novel emulsifiers and emollients keep entering the market. This study hypothesizes that a combination of in silico, instrumental tools and simplified sensory studies could be used to efficiently characterize emulsions in a shorter timeframe. A total of 22 rather simple o/w emulsions were prepared by a time/energy-saving emulsification process. A natural mixed emulsifier (Lauryl Glucoside/Myristyl Glucoside/Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate) and two emollients (both with INCI name C15–19 Alkane) were used. The performed D-optimal experimental design within the response surface method (RSM) significantly narrowed down the number of samples about to enter the stage of texture, friction and sensory studies to the samples comprising 30% of a respective Emogreen emollient and 2% or 3% of the emulsifier. The sample comprising 2% emulsifier/30% Emogreen® L15 showed significantly higher firmness (42.12 mN) when compared to the one with 2% emulsifier/30% Emogreen® L19 (33.62 mN), which was somewhat unexpected considering the emollients’ inherent viscosity values (4.5 mPa·s for L15 and 9 mPa·s for L19). The sample with 2% emulsifier/30% Emogreen® L19 managed to maintain the lowest friction, while the one with 3% emulsifier/30% Emogreen® L19 released its full lubricating potential in the second part of the measurement (30–60 s). The obtained results revealed the strengths and weaknesses of each formulation, narrowing down their possible applications in the early development stage.

Bom, S., Fitas, M., Martins, A. M., Pinto, P., Ribeiro, H. M., & Marto, J. (2020). Replacing synthetic ingredients by sustainable natural alternatives: a case study using topical O/W emulsions. Molecules, 25(21), 4887.

Abstract. With the increasing debate on sustainability, there is a strong market trend to formulate more sustainable products for topical application. Several studies emphasize the potential applications of natural, organic, or green chemistry-derived ingredients, but comparative studies between conventional ingredients and sustainable alternatives are lacking. This type of study is considered an excellent baseline and time-saving strategy for future studies. In addition, one of the main challenges of replacing ingredients by sustainable alternatives in topical vehicles is to maintain high-quality products. Thus, the main goal of this research study was to create a well-defined strategy supported by specific experimental data for the development of sustainable topical vehicles with high-quality standards. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of replacing conventional ingredients (e.g., hydrocarbons, silicones, and preservatives) by sustainable ones on the physical, chemical, and microbiological features of topical emulsions. Additionally, in vivo assessment studies were performed to evaluate the safety, biological efficacy, and sensorial aspects of the developed formulations. The results obtained showed that the replacement of ingredients by sustainable alternatives has an effective impact on the physicochemical and structural properties of the emulsions, mainly on their rheological behavior. However, using appropriate strategies for ingredient selection and rheological adjustment, it is possible to overcome some barriers created by the use of natural raw materials, thus developing appealing and high-quality sustainable topical vehicles.

Savic, S. M., Cekic, N. D., Savic, S. R., Ilic, T. M., & Savic, S. D. (2021). ‘All‐natural’anti‐wrinkle emulsion serum with Acmella oleracea extract: A design of experiments (DoE) formulation approach, rheology and in vivo skin performance/efficacy evaluation. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(5), 530-546.

Abstract. Objective. The growing consumers’ preferences and concerns regarding healthy ageing, youthful skin appearance, environmental protection and sustainability have triggered an ever-increasing trend towards natural, eco-friendly and ethically sourced anti-ageing products. Accordingly, this paper describes design and evaluation of novel, safe, effective and high-quality emulsion serums, completely based on ingredients of natural origin, intended for improving facial fine lines and wrinkles....Results. Rheological characterization revealed favourable shear-thinning flow behaviour with yield point, and dominating elastic character (storage modulus G’ > loss modulus G") in both amplitude and frequency sweeps, which together with relatively small structural change obtained in DMTA test indicated overall satisfying rheological and stability properties of formulated serums. From the established design space, and taking into account formulation cost and carbon footprint, promising model serum (desired/optimal apparent viscosity, yield point and loss factor, rather small and constant structural change), containing 15% of emollients and 1% of emulsifier, was chosen for in vivo evaluations. Screening of skin irritation effects revealed the absence of potential irritancy of investigated serum, suggesting overall satisfying skin tolerability/preliminary safety. Silicone skin replica image analysis demonstrated noticeable reduction/improvement in all measured skin wrinkle parameters after only 2 weeks of test serum application in periorbital and perioral areas, indicating its rapid and beneficial effects on the facial expression lines and wrinkles. Conclusion. Altogether, the results corroborate the promising potential of the developed Acmella oleracea extract-loaded emulsion serum as safe, effective and non-invasive natural anti-wrinkle product

C15-19 Alkane is an organic chemical compound, consisting of carbon and hydrogen (hydrocarbon class). an alkane derived from paraffin or of plant origin. The number C15-19 indicates the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.

It is a mixture of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons with a carbon chain length ranging from 15 to 19 carbon atoms. This class of alkanes is primarily used in cosmetic products as an emollient, solvent, and dispersing agent. C15-19 Alkane is valued for its lightweight, non-greasy texture and its ability to enhance product spreadability and skin feel, making it a common ingredient in creams, lotions, body oils, and hair care products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

C15-19 Alkane consists of a mixture of linear and branched saturated hydrocarbons. These aliphatic chains are chemically stable and non-reactive due to their lack of double bonds. The aliphatic chain length (15 to 19 carbon atoms) gives these alkanes unique emollient properties, making them ideal for lightweight cosmetic applications.

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• C15-19 indicates that the alkanes in the mixture have between 15 and 19 carbon atoms.
• Alkane. Alkanes are a type of hydrocarbons where all bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds. They are saturated hydrocarbons.

Description of the raw materials used in its production:

• Fatty Acid Derivatives - C15-19 Alcane is derived from fatty acid sources. Fatty acids are long-chain carboxylic acids typically obtained from natural vegetable oils or animal fats.
• Hydrogenation - The process of hydrogenation involves the addition of hydrogen gas to unsaturated fatty acids. This reaction saturates the carbon-carbon double bonds in the fatty acids, converting them into alkanes.

Production Process

C15-19 Alkane is typically derived from petroleum refining or synthetic sources through distillation and hydrogenation processes. This ensures the production of pure, stable saturated hydrocarbons suitable for use in cosmetics. 

• Distillation of crude oil. The first stage of production of C15-19 Alkane is the distillation of crude oil. Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and distillation allows the separation of this mixture into boiling point-based fractions. The fraction containing hydrocarbons with chain lengths between 15 and 19 carbon atoms is collected for further processing.
• Hydrocracking. The collected fraction is subjected to a process called hydrocracking, breaking down larger hydrocarbons into smaller hydrocarbons in the presence of a catalyst and hydrogen. Hydrocracking process conditions can be adjusted to favor the production of hydrocarbons with chain lengths between 15 and 19 carbon atoms.
• Fractional distillation. The product of the hydrocracking process is subjected to another distillation cycle to allow the separation of the desired alkane C15-19 from other hydrocarbons.
• Purification. Alkane C15-19 is purified to remove any remaining impurities by processes such as filtration, washing and drying.
• Quality control. The final product is then tested to ensure it meets the required specifications. This may involve testing for parameters such as purity, color and odor.

Physical Properties

It appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a light, non-greasy texture. It is insoluble in water but miscible with oils and other lipid solvents. C15-19 Alkane has excellent spreading properties and is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without an oily residue. 

What it is used for and where it is used

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient as II/875 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Warnings should be issued for distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated intermediates, unless one knows the entire refining history and can prove that the substance from which they are produced is not carcinogenic.

Used as an emollient in personal care products and is biodegradable. The formulation of this chemical compound began as a project for a new emollient to replace silicone in skin care products.

Also used as a solvent to improve the dispersion of other ingredients.

Solvent. It is the substance for dissolving or dispersing surfactants, oils, dyes, flavourings, bactericidal preservatives in solution.In fact, it dissolves other components present in a cosmetic formulation. Solvents are generally liquid (aqueous and non-aqueous).

Commercial Applications

Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry. Used as emollients and solvents in products like lotions, creams, and skincare products. They help improve the texture and spreadability of the product on the skin.

Pharmaceutical Industry. Can be employed as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance the stability and effectiveness of the medication.

Cleaning Products and Detergents. Used in some cleaners and detergents for their ability to dissolve fats and oils.

Chemical Industry. Used as intermediates in various chemical processes.

C15-19 Alcane studies

• CAS    64742-46-7     64741-76-0  
• EC Number 934-956-3

References________________________________________________________________________

Bom S, Gouveia LF, Pinto P, Martins AM, Ribeiro HM, Marto J. A mathematical modeling strategy to predict the spreading behavior on skin of sustainable alternatives to personal care emollients. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2021 Sep;205:111865. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111865. Epub 2021 May 23. PMID: 34044331.