Common Name(s): Hydrogenated difarnesene,hydrogenated c30 olefin,biobased hydrocarbon emollient
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides an ultra-lightweight, silicone-like skin feel from a bio-based hydrocarbon.
Why It's Used: Difarnesene is a c30 sesquiterpene olefin produced by biotechnology (yeast fermentation); hydrogenation produces a saturated, oxidation-stable hydrocarbon emollient with silicone-like skin feel; bio-based alternative to silicone fluids.
How It Works: Saturated c30 branched hydrocarbon structure provides very low surface tension and viscosity similar to cyclopentasiloxane (d5) but from bio-based renewable feedstock; non-volatile alternative to cyclic silicones; excellent spreading.
Typically Found In: Sustainable premium skin care,silicone-alternative formulas,lightweight serums,sunscreens
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,spreading agent,silicone alternative
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Bio-based from farnesene (yeast-fermented from sugars); hydrogenated; renewable origin. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated; non-sensitizing.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Other emollients,cyclopentasiloxane (as alternative),dimethicone (as alternative),natural oils
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Hydrogenated difarnesene (marketed as neossance hemisqualane by amyris) is produced from yeast fermentation of sugarcane-derived farnesene; represents an important sustainable alternative to petrol-derived emollients; the branched c30 hydrocarbon provides silicone-like aesthetics without silicone's environmental questions.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,amyris/neossance technical data