What Is C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate?
C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient created by reacting C12-13 fatty alcohols derived from coconut or palm oil with about ten units of ethylene oxide, then attaching a phosphate group. This gives the molecule a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail, a structure that makes it useful for mixing oil and water. The material first appeared in personal care formulations in the late twentieth century when chemists were searching for milder alternatives to traditional sulfates. Production happens in two main steps: ethoxylation, where fatty alcohols are joined with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure, followed by phosphorylation, which introduces the phosphate group and finalizes the surfactant. Because of its balanced cleansing power and low irritation profile it shows up in many rinse-off and leave-on products such as facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, body washes, makeup removers, lightweight lotions and some peel-off masks.
C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate for several practical reasons:
- Cleansing: Its dual affinity for water and oil helps lift away dirt, excess sebum and makeup so the skin or hair feels clean without an overly stripped sensation.
- Emulsifying: It stabilizes mixtures of oil and water, keeping creams and lotions from separating which improves texture and shelf life.
Who Can Use C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate
Most skin types tolerate C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate well. Its gentle surfactant profile works for oily, combination and normal skin while still being mild enough for many sensitive users. People with very dry or compromised skin should make sure the overall formula contains enough moisturising agents because long exposure to any cleanser can lead to extra tightness.
The ingredient is typically synthesised from coconut or palm sourced alcohols and does not rely on animal by-products, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product has not been tested on animals according to personal ethics or local regulations.
No published data suggests that topical use poses special risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified health professional to be on the safe side.
C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known effect on tanning products or SPF performance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate can vary from person to person. The points below represent potential issues only and are unlikely for the typical user when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or itching
- Dryness or tight feeling if overused or left on the skin for prolonged periods
- Eye stinging when the cleanser is not rinsed out fully
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitised to similar surfactants
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate is a water-soluble surfactant that tends to rinse cleanly off skin, leaving little to no residue that could block pores. Its molecular structure favors dispersing oils rather than sitting on top of them, which keeps the likelihood of clogging minimal. In leave-on products the overall formula usually contains only a small percentage of the ingredient, further lowering risk. Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone users in most cases. Very oily formulations that pair it with heavy plant butters could raise pore-clogging potential slightly, but that comes from the accompanying oils, not the phosphate surfactant itself.
Summary
C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its split personality, with a water-loving phosphate head and an oil-loving fatty tail, lets it bind oils, dirt and makeup so they can be lifted away with water, and it keeps oil-in-water mixtures stable so creams stay smooth. While not as famous as sulfates or newer sugar-based surfactants, it shows up quietly in a broad range of everyday cleansers, micellar waters and light lotions because formulators value its balance of effectiveness and mildness.
Current safety data and decades of use indicate a low irritation profile and virtually no systemic concerns, making it a dependable choice in both rinse-off and leave-on products. As with any skincare ingredient individual responses can vary, so patch testing a new product is still the best way to sidestep unwanted surprises.