What Is C11-13 Pareth-6?
C11-13 Pareth-6 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching roughly six units of ethylene oxide to a blend of fatty alcohols that have carbon chain lengths of 11 to 13. The fatty alcohols can come from petroleum sources or from natural oils like coconut or palm. Because the finished material is a nonionic surfactant, it carries no electrical charge, which makes it gentle on skin and highly versatile.
Nonionic surfactants first gained momentum in the 1950s as formulators looked for milder cleansing agents than traditional soap. Over time, C11-13 Pareth-6 became a favorite because it mixes well with both water and oil, helping products stay stable while boosting their cleansing power.
The manufacturing process starts by isolating the C11-13 fatty alcohol fraction. These alcohols are then reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting. By stopping the reaction after about six ethylene oxide units have attached, chemists end up with a balanced molecule that is partly oil loving and partly water loving. The result is a clear or slightly hazy liquid that dissolves easily in water.
You will commonly see C11-13 Pareth-6 in facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs, sheet masks and even some lightweight lotions and creams where it helps blend water and oil phases.
C11-13 Pareth-6’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators turn to C11-13 Pareth-6 for a couple of key reasons that directly improve how a product looks, feels and performs on your skin or hair.
- Cleansing: The ingredient lowers the surface tension of water so it can lift away dirt, oil and makeup. It creates a gentle lather, rinses clean and reduces the need for harsher detergents, which helps keep skin from feeling tight or stripped.
- Emulsifying: Its balanced oil-and-water loving structure lets it hold oily ingredients in a stable mix with water. This keeps creams from separating, ensures an even texture and allows active ingredients to spread smoothly over the skin.
Who Can Use C11-13 Pareth-6
C11-13 Pareth-6 is generally well tolerated by most skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry skin. Its nonionic nature means it cleans without the tight feeling that harsher surfactants can cause so even sensitive skin often does fine with it, although people prone to eczema or chronic irritation may prefer to limit leave-on exposure.
The ingredient contains no animal-derived material so products that use a vegetable or petrochemical alcohol source are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If the label specifies sustainably sourced coconut or palm alcohol you can be confident no animal inputs were involved.
C11-13 Pareth-6 is considered low risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women because it is used topically, works mainly on the surface and is not known to penetrate deeply. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still clear every skincare product with a healthcare provider just to be safe.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most active ingredients, fragrances and preservatives found in modern formulas.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C11-13 Pareth-6 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels by reputable brands.
- Temporary skin irritation such as redness, stinging or dryness if the concentration is high or the product is left on the skin for a long time
- Mild to moderate eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to ethoxylated surfactants
- Excessive removal of natural oils leading to a feeling of tightness when multiple surfactant products are layered
- Trace residual processing impurities like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane may cause irritation if manufacturing quality controls are poor
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C11-13 Pareth-6 is water soluble and does not leave a greasy film so it rarely blocks pores. Any residue that remains after rinsing is minimal which keeps the risk of comedones low. Because it is a surfactant rather than an oil or butter its molecular structure is not prone to sitting inside pores.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in both rinse-off and leave-on products, provided the overall formula is noncomedogenic.
If the product combines this ingredient with heavy occlusives the end formula could still be pore clogging so always consider the full ingredient list.
Summary
C11-13 Pareth-6 works mainly as a gentle cleanser and an emulsifier. Its balanced oil-loving and water-loving ends lower surface tension to lift away dirt while keeping water and oil ingredients blended for a smooth stable texture.
The ingredient shows up most often in face washes, micellar waters and lightweight creams rather than headline-grabbing serums so it flies under the radar yet remains a quiet workhorse for formulators.
Overall safety is high when manufactured under good quality controls. Reported side effects are uncommon and usually mild. While it is generally safe, patch test any new product containing C11-13 Pareth-6 to make sure your individual skin agrees with it.