What Is C10-16 Alketh-1?
C10-16 Alketh-1 is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching a small amount of polyethylene glycol to medium-chain fatty alcohols that contain between 10 and 16 carbon atoms. Chemists call this process ethoxylation, and in this case only one unit of ethylene oxide is added, giving the material its “-1” label. The fatty alcohols used are produced from petroleum or plant sources, then purified before the ethoxylation step.
The rise of modern surfactants in the 1960s and 1970s led formulators to look for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Polyethylene glycol ethers like C10-16 Alketh-1 fit the bill because they clean well yet feel gentle on skin. Over time the ingredient has appeared in a wide range of rinse-off products.
To make C10-16 Alketh-1, manufacturers first isolate the desired fatty alcohol mix, heat it in a reactor, add ethylene oxide gas under pressure, then neutralize and filter the final liquid. The finished material is a clear to pale yellow fluid that blends easily with water and oils.
You are most likely to find C10-16 Alketh-1 in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, makeup removers, micellar waters and baby wipes. It is rarely used in leave-on creams because its main job is to help wash away dirt and oil.
C10-16 Alketh-1’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single but important role in personal care formulas.
Cleansing: C10-16 Alketh-1 lowers the surface tension of water so it can spread over skin and hair, surround oil and grime, then rinse them away. Its balanced structure makes it effective yet mild, helping products foam nicely and leave skin feeling fresh instead of stripped.
Who Can Use C10-16 Alketh-1
C10-16 Alketh-1 works for most skin types. Oily and combination skin usually appreciate its thorough yet mild cleansing action, while normal skin tolerates it well in daily rinse-off products. Very dry or easily dehydrated skin might feel a little tight if a formula contains a high level of this surfactant, so look for products that pair it with extra moisturizers.
The ingredient is made from synthetic or plant-derived fatty alcohols and petroleum-based ethylene oxide, with no animal material involved. Because of that the finished raw material is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians, though anyone with strict lifestyle requirements may want to check a brand’s full sourcing policy.
C10-16 Alketh-1 poses no known risks to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used in rinse-off cosmetics. It is not known to penetrate the skin to any meaningful degree and has no hormonal activity. This is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing women should show any skincare product to their doctor to be safe.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity and will not increase the chance of sunburn. It is also safe for color-treated hair and can be used on children in appropriate baby products.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C10-16 Alketh-1 vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.
- Skin dryness or tightness – over-cleansing can remove too much natural oil especially on very dry skin
- Mild irritation or redness – rare but possible on sensitive or compromised skin if the formula is highly concentrated
- Allergic contact dermatitis – extremely uncommon hypersensitivity response to the surfactant itself or trace impurities
- Eye stinging or watering – may occur if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C10-16 Alketh-1 scores low because it is a rinse-off surfactant that does not linger on skin and its single ethoxylated unit makes it more water-friendly than plain fatty alcohols that can clog pores. Most of the ingredient is washed away within seconds so it has little time to block follicles.
People who are prone to acne can generally use products containing C10-16 Alketh-1 without added risk of breakouts.
Comedogenicity can rise if a formula pairs this surfactant with heavy oils or waxes, so the overall product recipe matters more than the presence of C10-16 Alketh-1 itself.
Summary
C10-16 Alketh-1 is a gentle cleanser that loosens surface tension so water can lift away dirt, oil and makeup while creating a light foam that feels pleasant on skin and hair. Its performance sits between traditional soap and modern mild surfactants, giving formulators a flexible option for face washes, body cleansers, shampoos and wipes.
The ingredient is not a social media star but it shows up quietly in many mass-market and drugstore products because it is reliable, affordable and easy to blend with other surfactants.
Safety studies and decades of use show it is well tolerated for most skin types with only rare reports of irritation. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to patch test a fresh product before full use to make sure your skin agrees with the entire formula.