What Is C12-13 Pareth-15?
C12-13 Pareth-15 is a synthetic ingredient made by reacting fatty alcohols taken from coconut and palm oils, specifically those with 12 to 13 carbon atoms, with about 15 units of ethylene oxide. This process, known as ethoxylation, turns the originally water-repelling oils into a water-loving substance that can mix oil and water with ease. The “15” in its name signals the average number of ethylene oxide units attached to each alcohol molecule, a detail that influences how well it dissolves and foams.
Surfactants like C12-13 Pareth-15 started gaining popularity in the mid-20th century when formulators looked for milder, more versatile cleansing agents than traditional soaps. Its balance of oil-soluble and water-soluble parts made it a welcome addition to shampoos and liquid cleansers, where it offered effective yet gentle cleansing.
Today the ingredient is produced on an industrial scale. First, naturally sourced fatty alcohols are purified, then they are reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled temperature and pressure. The final mixture is purified and tested to meet cosmetic-grade quality standards.
You are most likely to find C12-13 Pareth-15 in face washes, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, micellar waters, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs, sheet mask serums and lightweight lotions where a clean rinse and stable formula are essential.
C12-13 Pareth-15’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking surfactant improves both how a product feels in use and how well it performs on the skin or hair.
- Cleansing: Lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and product buildup can be lifted away and rinsed off easily. It creates a soft foam that feels pleasant without over-stripping natural moisture
- Emulsifying: Helps blend water and oil phases into a uniform mixture, giving creams, lotions and cleansing milks a smooth consistent texture while preventing separation during storage
Who Can Use C12-13 Pareth-15
C12-13 Pareth-15 is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry skin because it cleanses without leaving a heavy residue or excessive tightness. Those with very sensitive or compromised skin may want to monitor how their skin feels after use since any surfactant can potentially cause dryness if overused, but most people tolerate it well at the low levels found in finished cosmetics.
The ingredient is derived from coconut or palm fatty alcohols plus synthetic ethylene oxide, so it does not contain animal-derived components. For that reason products using it can be formulated to meet vegan and vegetarian standards provided the rest of the formula also avoids animal ingredients.
No specific concerns link C12-13 Pareth-15 to pregnancy or breastfeeding. Current safety assessments classify it as low risk when used as directed in rinse-off or leave-on products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should consult their doctor before adding new skincare products, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and does not interfere with sunscreens, so extra daytime precautions are not normally required.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical C12-13 Pareth-15 vary by individual. The effects below are potential outcomes not the norm and most users will experience none of them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as intended.
- Mild skin dryness
- Temporary tight or squeaky feeling after cleansing
- Redness or irritation in very sensitive skin
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis, though this is rare
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C12-13 Pareth-15 is a highly water-soluble surfactant that does not leave an oily film on the skin, so it has very little tendency to block pores. Formulations typically use it in low percentages and most of it is rinsed away, further lowering any clogging risk.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in both rinse-off and leave-on products, though overall formula composition still matters.
No published data suggest the ingredient worsens comedogenicity when combined with other common surfactants.
Summary
C12-13 Pareth-15 is primarily a cleansing and emulsifying agent. Its balanced structure of oil-friendly and water-friendly parts lets it lift dirt and oils, create a gentle foam and hold water-and-oil mixtures together so products stay smooth and stable.
It is a workhorse ingredient found in many everyday cleansers, shampoos and light lotions, yet it is not a buzzworthy superstar so you may not see it highlighted on product labels even though it is widely used behind the scenes.
Safety reviews consider it low risk at the levels used in cosmetics. Most people tolerate it well, but as with any new skincare product it is smart to do a small patch test first to check for personal sensitivity.