What it is
In the register’s words: “C9-12 Alkane is a mixture of linear alkanes with 9 to 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.”
- EU register name (INCI)
- C9-12 ALKANE
What the register lists it for
These are the uses the European Commission’s CosIng register lists for C9-12 Alkane in any cosmetic, hair roles first. They say why a maker might add it, not what it does in one formula, and they aren’t a safety rating.
- Hair conditioning
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The register’s hair role for ingredients that make hair feel softer, smoother or easier to comb. Most conditioners, masks and leave-ins list several.
Register definition: “Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.”
- Solvent
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Dissolves other ingredients. Water is the most common; some alcohols and glycols carry this role too.
Register definition: “Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).”
- Emollient
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Oils, butters and similar ingredients that make a surface feel soft and smooth. On hair they coat the strand; many plant oils carry this role.
Register definition: “Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.”
- Occlusive
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Forms a layer that slows water loss. Heavier oils, butters and waxes carry it.
Register definition: “Retarding the evaporation of water from the skin surface. Occlusives are generally lipids which tend to remain on the skin surface and thus increase the water content of skin.”
- Skin conditioning
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A register role for ingredients that help dry or rough skin feel supple again.
Register definition: “Enhancing the appearance of dry and/or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.”
Where it sits on each label
US labels list ingredients from most to least, except that those at 1% or less may follow in any order. A name near the top is a large part of the formula. A label doesn’t mark where the 1% point falls, so further down, the order says little about how much is in it.
- Deep conditioners 2 labels First five names: 0 of 2 Deep conditioners without it
- Stylers 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Stylers without it
- Protein treatments 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Protein treatments without it
- Hair oils 2 labels First five names: 1 of 2 Hair oils without it
Every label, product by product (6)
- Aunt Jackie's Coco Repair Coconut Creme Deep Conditioner Deep conditioner 8th of 33 names
- Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner Deep conditioner 22nd of 41 names
- Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion Styler 15th of 48 names
- Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask Protein treatment 21st of 37 names
- Bouclème Revive 5 Hair Oil Hair oil 4th of 31 names
- Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil Hair oil 21st of 31 names
Each line runs from the first name on a label to the last; a dot is where this ingredient sits. Makers change formulas now and then; if the list on your bottle differs, go by your bottle.
Your next step
Other hair conditioning ingredients on these labels
- Glycerin 131 labels
- Panthenol 72 labels
- Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil 69 labels
- Behentrimonium Methosulfate 38 labels
- Caprylyl Glycol 37 labels
- Behentrimonium Chloride 34 labels
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine 34 labels
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil 34 labels
Updated · The name, numbers and uses come from the European Commission’s CosIng entry (CC BY 4.0); we write the uses in US spelling and put the hair ones first. The labels are each maker’s own. The order rule is the FDA’s Cosmetics Labeling Guide. All our sources are on the Sources page.