What Is C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3?
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching an average of three units of ethylene oxide to a blend of secondary fatty alcohols that have 12 to 14 carbon atoms. The fatty alcohols can come from refined petroleum fractions or from natural oils such as coconut or palm, but once they are processed the final material is considered synthetic. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that acts as a nonionic surfactant.
Nonionic surfactants like this started gaining traction in cosmetic labs during the 1950s because they were milder than the soap-based emulsifiers of the time. The variant once called C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 became popular when formulators needed a light emulsifier that paired well with modern preservatives and active ingredients.
Manufacturing involves two key steps. First, the fatty alcohols are converted to their secondary form through controlled chemical reactions. Second, these alcohols are reacted with ethylene oxide in a pressurized vessel. Careful temperature and catalyst control limit the average to three ethylene oxide units, giving the ingredient its consistent performance.
You will most often find C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3 in lightweight moisturizers, lotions, facial cleansers, makeup removers, sunscreens, liquid foundations, hair conditioners and sheet mask essences. Its ability to keep oil and water together while staying gentle on skin makes it useful across both skin and hair care ranges.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays a supportive yet vital role in many formulas thanks to the way it handles oil and water.
- Emulsion stabilising: Helps finished products stay uniform during storage so the oil and water parts do not split. This keeps texture smooth, improves shelf life and ensures that every pump or scoop delivers the same mix of ingredients.
- Emulsifying: Acts as the bridge that lets oil and water blend in the first place. This allows formulators to include both nourishing oils and refreshing water-based actives in one product, giving users a light feel on skin that spreads easily without a greasy film.
Who Can Use C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3
Because it is a mild nonionic surfactant, C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3 suits most skin types including dry, oily and sensitive. It has a light texture that does not leave a heavy film so it is also a good match for combination skin. Those with very reactive or compromised skin should still check the full ingredient list of any product since the irritation risk usually stems from other components rather than this one.
The ingredient is produced from plant or petroleum sources and contains no animal-derived material, making it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians. Brands focused on cruelty-free standards should verify that any supplier testing policy also aligns with their values.
No research suggests that topical use poses a risk to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Out of caution this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss new skincare with a doctor first.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3 does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection habits are still recommended when using any cosmetic product.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from one person to another. The points below list potential side effects that could occur, yet most users will not experience them when the product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation
- Transient redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the product is accidentally rubbed into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with specific surfactant allergies
If you experience discomfort, redness or any other unwanted reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3 is a small-molecule nonionic surfactant that rinses clean and does not linger in pores. Ethoxylation makes the fatty alcohol backbone more water loving which lowers the chance of it mixing with skin sebum and forming plugs. Trace amounts of the original fatty alcohols may remain yet they are heavily diluted in finished formulas, so the overall clogging potential stays low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, though the final product formula and how it is used still matter.
No published data link this ingredient to fungal acne flare-ups so it is generally considered safe for those watching malassezia triggers.
Summary
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-3 works mainly as an emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser. Its ethoxylated structure has a water friendly end and an oil friendly end, letting it sit at the border of oil and water droplets. This keeps lotions, creams and cleansers smooth so every application feels the same from first use to the last.
It enjoys steady but quiet popularity in modern skincare. You will not see it splashed across product labels yet formulators reach for it when they need a mild helper that plays nicely with actives, preservatives and fragrances.
Safety reviews show very low irritation rates and no evidence of systemic harm when used on intact skin. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this or any other surfactant before making it part of a daily routine.