isododecane
what it is
A volatile, weightless synthetic hydrocarbon — INCI name Isododecane. Volatile means it evaporates cleanly from skin after doing its work; it is not absorbed, it simply leaves.
why we use it
It makes application feel light. It carries the filters and emollients across skin, then flashes off, leaving the zinc oxide behind in a thin, even, water-resistant film. Without something like it, a 25.00% mineral sunscreen tends to feel exactly like it sounds.
where you'll find it
In our mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++), in the lightweight emollients group (30.00% total). Per-ingredient percentages within the sunscreen groups are not yet published; the group totals are exact.
evidence
Functional — its evaporation rate and film behaviour are physical properties, characterised in the lab rather than claimed on the carton.
safety
It is petroleum-derived and fully synthetic; we would rather say that plainly than imply otherwise. Cosmetic grades are highly purified, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel considers it safe as used, and because it evaporates, skin contact is brief by design.