What it is
This is a light, highly volatile hydrocarbon that functions as a fast-evaporating solvent and propellant in cosmetic formulas. In sun care it helps deliver the product and evaporates quickly, which can give spray and gel formats a light, quick-drying, cooling feel. It is not a UV filter and provides no sun protection.
Safety & warnings
Isopentane is highly flammable, so products containing it should be kept away from heat, flame, and ignition sources. Because it is so volatile it evaporates almost immediately on skin and is generally non-irritating, though spray mist should not be deliberately inhaled and is best used in well-ventilated areas.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic hydrocarbon derived from petroleum and natural gas processing.
Questions everyone asks
What does isopentane do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a fast-evaporating solvent and propellant, helping deliver the formula and giving spray or gel products a light, quick-drying, cooling feel.
Is it safe on skin?
It evaporates almost immediately and is generally non-irritating on skin, but it is flammable, so keep the product away from flame and heat.