What Is C12-13 Pareth-6?
C12-13 Pareth-6 is a group of synthetic ingredients made by attaching about six units of ethylene oxide to fatty alcohols that come from naturally occurring coconut or palm kernel oils. The numbers in its name refer to the length of the carbon chain in those fatty alcohols, while the “6” points to the average number of ethylene oxide units added. This careful tweaking gives the material a balanced mix of oil loving and water loving parts, which is why it blends smoothly into many personal care formulas.
The idea of linking ethylene oxide to fatty alcohols dates back to the middle of the 20th century when chemists were searching for gentler alternatives to harsh soaps. As consumer demand for milder yet effective cleansers rose, variations like C12-13 Pareth-6 gained popularity and have been refined for large scale production. Today the ingredient is manufactured in controlled reactors where the fatty alcohol base is treated with ethylene oxide gas under heat and pressure, then purified to remove by-products.
You are most likely to spot C12-13 Pareth-6 in rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes and shampoos but it also shows up in leave-on creams, lotions, light gel moisturizers and sheet masks. Its ability to keep oily and watery ingredients evenly mixed makes it useful in serums, sunscreens and even some hair conditioning sprays.
C12-13 Pareth-6’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker plays two key roles in beauty formulas
- Cleansing: Its balanced structure lifts away dirt, makeup and excess oil then rinses clean with water so skin and hair feel fresh but not stripped
- Emulsifying: It helps water based and oil based ingredients stay blended which keeps creams smooth, prevents separation in lotions and improves the texture of sprays and gels
Who Can Use C12-13 Pareth-6
C12-13 Pareth-6 is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and dry skin. People with very sensitive or compromised skin may still want to proceed with caution because any surfactant has the potential to disrupt an already weakened barrier, especially if used in high amounts or left on the skin for long periods.
The ingredient is made from plant derived fatty alcohols and synthetically added ethylene oxide so it contains no animal by-products. This makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product is certified cruelty free.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when C12-13 Pareth-6 is used in normal cosmetic concentrations. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
C12-13 Pareth-6 does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless and usually free of allergens such as gluten, soy or nuts which can be a plus for people with related sensitivities.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical use of C12-13 Pareth-6 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness if used in very high concentrations
- Transient stinging on freshly shaved or broken skin
- Contact irritation such as redness or itching in those with an existing surfactant sensitivity
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Scalp flakiness for some individuals when used in shampoos that are not balanced with conditioners
If you notice any of these effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C12-13 Pareth-6 is a water soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly so it does not leave a residue that might block pores. Its molecular structure is light and non greasy and it is usually included at low levels, especially in rinse off formulas, which keeps the pore clogging risk minimal.
Most people who are prone to acne can use products containing C12-13 Pareth-6 without noticing an increase in breakouts.
The comedogenic profile of the finished product will depend more on the oils or waxes paired with this ingredient than on C12-13 Pareth-6 itself.
Summary
C12-13 Pareth-6 works as a gentle cleanser and a reliable emulsifier. Its balanced oil loving and water loving ends lift away dirt, makeup and excess sebum then help water carry them off while also keeping oil based and water based ingredients blended for a smooth stable formula.
It turns up in many everyday face washes, body cleansers, shampoos and a few light lotions but it is not a headline ingredient so most users do not realize it is there.
Regulatory panels consider it low irritation, largely non comedogenic and vegan friendly at typical cosmetic concentrations. Even so skin can react unpredictably so it is smart to patch test any new product that features this ingredient.