Octadecene (commonly 1-octadecene) is a long-chain alkene used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, viscosity modifier, and solvent base, often in oily or anhydrous products. It functions to improve spreadability and texture rather than to treat skin conditions.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Rare | Mild transient irritation possible, generally in sensitive skin or with high concentrations. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon; isolated reports only. |
Comedogenicity/pore congestion | Rare | Theoretical potential as an oily ingredient, but not well documented. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.