This ultra-light oily emollient is a natural alternative to cyclomethicone combining high spread ability with a comparable level of pigment wetting power.
This is around 6 times lighter than MCT oil and around ½ the weight of our Natural Silicone Alternative.
While cyclomethicone is heavier than Undecane and Tridecane, its silicone backbone makes it much more flexible and spreadable. However, its inability to be certified as natural mean that Undecane and Tridecane are a great alternative for many skin and haircare brands.
Chemistry
Chemically vegetable oils are triglycerides, that is a combination of one glycerine molecule bonded to three fatty acids, typically with around 16-18 carbons in each chain. Because of this, even the lightest feeling vegetable oils can feel like they weigh down the hair. Vegetable oils are also impossible to spray thus limiting the product options for natural brands.
Undecane and Tridecane are from a different chemical family, straight chain alkanes and it because of this that they feel light and ultra-spreadable.
Undecane has only eleven carbons in its structure while Tridecane has thirteen and neither are bonded to glycerine or have anything else to complicate their structure. This contributes to their ultra-light skin and hair feel, spread ability and fast evaporation rate.
Alkane chemistry has typically been sourced from petrochemicals but there is no reason for this to be the case. Today, many manufacturers are creating alkane chemistry from vegetable feedstocks and allowing natural cosmetics to achieve the same performance aesthetics as their synthetic brothers and sisters.
Origin:
Natural origin from coconut and palm sources.
Appearance:
Clear, colourless liquid with a low viscosity (thin consistency).
Odour:
Low odour, light oil aroma.
Solubility:
Oil miscible.
Heat stability:
Good, can be heated.
Use instructions:
Use in any proportion in skin and hair products including colour cosmetics, massage blends, hair oils and hair conditioning treatments.
Typical use level:
Up to 100% (can use neat).
Most typically used at 1-60% as part of a formula or blend.
New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. does not supply food grade raw materials and therefore cannot waive GST.
Prior to use: Customers should always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet / Specification Sheet OR the ingredients label as affixed to each product which are current at the time of supply of the product.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Individuals receiving this information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose or use.
As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of products is outside the control of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s), (including damage or injury), or the results obtained. New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. expressly disclaims responsibility as to the ordinary or otherwise use(s). Furthermore, nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. as to the fitness for any use. The liability of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential losses.