What Is C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylic Acid?
C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylic Acid is a synthetic fatty acid surfactant produced from petroleum or coconut derived C12-C13 fatty alcohols. Chemists first react these alcohols with ethylene oxide to add roughly 11 repeating oxyethylene units, then oxidize the terminal group so it ends in a carboxylic acid. The result is a molecule with a lipophilic tail that grabs oil and a hydrophilic head that bonds with water, making it an effective cleanser.
The ingredient gained traction in the late twentieth century as formulators looked for milder alternatives to traditional soap based surfactants. Its balanced structure lets it lift dirt without stripping skin, so it soon appeared in everyday personal care staples. Today you will most often spot it in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, exfoliating scrubs and makeup removers, as well as in specialized products like baby washes and shaving foams.
C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single but essential purpose in topical products: cleansing. Its dual-natured structure dissolves oils, makeup and environmental grime so they rinse away with water. By lowering surface tension it helps formulas spread evenly, generates a pleasant lather and leaves skin or hair feeling fresh yet comfortable.
Who Can Use C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylic Acid
This surfactant is mild enough for most skin types including normal, combination and oily complexions. Dry or sensitive skin can generally handle it too because it cleans without leaving a tight stripped feel, though people with very reactive skin should still watch how their skin responds since all surfactants have the potential to irritate if overused.
The molecule is made from plant or petroleum sourced fatty alcohols and does not rely on animal by-products so it suits both vegetarians and vegans. As always, the final formula also has to be free of animal derived additives to be truly vegan friendly.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is considered a low hazard ingredient and is not known to absorb deeply into the body. That said, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past their healthcare provider to be extra safe.
C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylic Acid does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so it is fine for daytime use without increasing the need for SPF beyond normal daily protection.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylic Acid differ from person to person. The issues below are possible but not the norm when the ingredient is used at the low levels found in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness stinging or itching
- Dryness or tightness if the formula is left on the skin too long
- Eye irritation when used in cleansers that are not ophthalmologist tested
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylic Acid is a rinse-off surfactant that does not linger on skin and lacks heavy oils or waxes that can block pores. Its molecular structure is built to mix with water and wash away cleanly, so it poses very little risk of clogging follicles. Because of this low tendency to cause congestion, it is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Worth noting: finished formulas matter. If the cleanser pairs this surfactant with rich oils or butters the overall product could still feel heavy on very oily skins even though the ingredient itself is nearly non-comedogenic.
Summary
C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylic Acid is chiefly a cleanser. Its split personality molecule has an oil-loving tail that grabs sebum, dirt and makeup while the water-loving head helps everything rinse away, leaving skin or hair fresh without that squeaky dry feel.
While not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, it has a steady presence in everyday face washes, body washes and shampoos because it balances mildness with solid cleaning power. Chemists trust it for baby products and sensitive skin lines, so it often flies under the radar despite its wide use.
Current safety data labels it low hazard with only rare reports of irritation. Most users can enjoy it without issue, yet it is still wise to patch test any new product to make sure your skin agrees with the overall formula.