PERFLUORODECALIN

Also known as: Perfluorodecalin

INCI: PERFLUORODECALIN | Function: Oxygen Carrier, Skin Conditioning | Type: Perfluorocarbon liquid (synthetic oxygen carrier)

What Is PERFLUORODECALIN?

Perfluorodecalin is a perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquid with exceptional oxygen-dissolving capacity. In skincare, it is used in advanced oxygen-delivery products that claim to boost skin oxygenation. It is biologically inert and not metabolized by the body, functioning purely as a physical oxygen carrier.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Exceptional oxygen-carrying capacity
+ Biologically inert — no metabolic interactions
+ Creates breathable barrier on skin
+ Used in medical-grade wound healing products

Pros

+ Unique oxygen-delivery mechanism
+ Medical heritage — used in artificial blood substitutes
+ Non-reactive — very low irritation potential

Cons

− Perfluorocarbon — environmental persistence concern (PFAS family)
− Expensive specialty ingredient
− Benefits primarily marketing-driven in cosmetics
− Regulatory scrutiny increasing (PFAS regulations)

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	5/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Oxygen cream/serum	2 - 10%
Wound care	5 - 20%
After-procedure treatment	5 - 15%

References

PubMed — Perfluorocarbons in wound healing. PMID: 19021184
EU CosIng Database — Listed as skin conditioning.
SpecialChem — Perfluorodecalin cosmetic ingredient

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