What Is C12-14 Pareth-5?
C12-14 Pareth-5 is a nonionic surfactant made by attaching roughly five units of ethylene oxide to medium-chain fatty alcohols that come mainly from coconut or palm oil. This small cluster of ethylene oxide units lets the ingredient mix easily with both oil and water, a property that is valuable in skin and hair care formulas. Nonionic surfactants like this one first became popular in the mid-20th century when makers of soaps and shampoos looked for milder, more flexible cleansing agents than traditional soaps.
The production process starts with refining natural C12-14 fatty alcohols, then reacting them with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid or paste that dissolves well in water. Because it is gentle, stable across a wide pH range, and able to boost foam, C12-14 Pareth-5 shows up in face cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, makeup removers, bubble baths, exfoliating scrubs, and even some wipes and sheet masks.
C12-14 Pareth-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for one job in personal care formulas.
Cleansing: C12-14 Pareth-5 reduces the surface tension of water, lifting away dirt, excess oil and makeup so they can be rinsed off easily. It also helps other surfactants foam better, giving products a rich lather that users often associate with effective cleaning.
Who Can Use C12-14 Pareth-5
C12-14 Pareth-5 is mild enough for most skin types, including dry, oily, combination and normal skin. People with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin can often tolerate it, yet they may notice dryness if the overall formula is strong or used too often. Those with contact allergies to surfactants should scan the label and proceed with care.
The ingredient is plant derived when sourced from coconut or palm, so it is usually suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If a brand discloses that its supply chain is fully plant based and not tested on animals, ethical users can feel confident.
No data link C12-14 Pareth-5 to risks in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products, especially leave-on ones.
C12-14 Pareth-5 does not make skin more prone to sunburn and has no known photo-reactive effects.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient vary from person to person. The points below list potential, though uncommon, negative effects when C12-14 Pareth-5 is applied topically. When used at levels typical for cleansers most people will not notice these issues.
- Skin dryness or tightness after rinsing
- Mild irritation such as redness, itching or stinging, more likely in damaged or very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where the user is sensitized to ethoxylated compounds
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. C12-14 Pareth-5 is highly water soluble and designed to be rinsed off, which limits any chance of it lingering on skin long enough to block pores. Its molecular structure is not oily or waxy so it does not create the kind of film associated with breakouts. For these reasons it sits at the very low end of the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most rinse-off products.
Formulators occasionally pair it with heavier emollients. If a cleanser also contains rich plant butters or mineral oil the overall product could feel heavier than the surfactant itself would suggest.
Summary
C12-14 Pareth-5 acts primarily as a mild cleansing agent and foam booster. Its mix of fatty alcohol chains and roughly five ethylene oxide units lets it grab onto oil and dirt while staying dispersible in water so impurities wash away easily and skin feels fresh without a harsh stripped sensation.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a star marketing feature. It appears in many everyday face washes body cleansers micellar waters and shampoos but rarely makes the front label.
At the concentrations used in personal care products safety data show low irritation risk for most users. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a small patch test before full use just to be on the safe side.