Ingredient review
Tetradecyleicosanoic Acid
INCI: TETRADECYLEICOSANOIC ACID
A gentle, non-irritating fatty acid that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.
In plain English
Tetradecyleicosanoic acid is a type of fatty acid, similar to the natural oils your skin produces. In skincare, it acts as an emollient, meaning it fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells to make your skin feel softer and smoother. It also helps other ingredients spread more evenly and gives products a nice, silky texture. Because it's very mild and unlikely to clog pores, it's a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Tetradecyleicosanoic Acid is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Tetradecyleicosanoic Acid.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic long-chain fatty acid (34 carbon atoms) used primarily as an emollient and skin conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations.
How it works
It sits on the surface of the skin, forming a thin, protective film that reduces water loss and makes the skin feel smooth. It also improves the spreadability of creams and lotions, giving them a luxurious, non-greasy feel.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Tetradecyleicosanoic acid has a low irritation risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin types that react to harsher emollients.
Non-comedogenic
Unlike some fatty acids, this one has a low comedogenic rating, so it's unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is manufactured in a lab, which may be a drawback for consumers seeking exclusively natural or plant-derived ingredients.
Limited independent research
Most safety data comes from industry sources, and there are fewer peer-reviewed studies compared to more common fatty acids.
Best for
- People with dry or dehydrated skin looking for gentle moisture
- Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin
Use caution if
- Individuals who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Tetradecyleicosanoic acid is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and EU CosIng support its use as a skin conditioning agent. However, independent clinical studies on its efficacy are sparse.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU CosIng database as a skin conditioning agent. No known restrictions.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Creams, Lotions, Lip products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic compound, its environmental persistence is not well-documented, but it is not known to be bioaccumulative.
Good to know
- It is often used in combination with other emollients to fine-tune product feel.
- The INCI name is sometimes abbreviated on labels, but it's the same ingredient.
Common questions
What is Tetradecyleicosanoic Acid in beauty products?
Tetradecyleicosanoic acid is a type of fatty acid, similar to the natural oils your skin produces. In skincare, it acts as an emollient, meaning it fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells to make your skin feel softer and smoother. It also helps other ingredients spread more evenly and gives products a nice, silky texture. Because it's very mild and unlikely to clog pores, it's a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What does Tetradecyleicosanoic Acid do in a beauty product?
It sits on the surface of the skin, forming a thin, protective film that reduces water loss and makes the skin feel smooth. It also improves the spreadability of creams and lotions, giving them a luxurious, non-greasy feel.
Is Tetradecyleicosanoic Acid safe for most people?
Tetradecyleicosanoic acid is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Tetradecyleicosanoic Acid?
Individuals who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.