What Is C12-15 Pareth-5?
C12-15 Pareth-5 is a non-ionic surfactant made by attaching about five units of ethylene oxide to fatty alcohols that range in length from 12 to 15 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols usually come from plant oils such as coconut or palm so the ingredient starts out as a renewable raw material. The ethoxylation step takes place in a controlled reactor where the alcohols react with ethylene oxide gas under heat and pressure. The result is a clear to slightly hazy liquid that mixes easily with water and oils.
Surfactants like C12-15 Pareth-5 became popular in the 1970s when formulators wanted gentler alternatives to traditional soap. Because it is non-ionic it is less likely to irritate skin or clash with other ingredients, which opened the door for its use in mild facial cleansers and baby products. Over time its ability to blend oil and water also made it a favorite in lotions and makeup removers.
Today you will spot C12-15 Pareth-5 in a wide range of cosmetic products. It is common in foaming face washes, micellar waters, body washes, shampoos, exfoliating scrubs, lightweight moisturizers and even sheet mask essences. Any formula that needs a mild cleanser or a helper that keeps oil and water phases together can benefit from this versatile ingredient.
C12-15 Pareth-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas C12-15 Pareth-5 mainly serves two jobs that both improve how a product feels and performs.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension of water so dirt, excess oil and leftover makeup can be lifted from skin or hair then rinsed away easily. Because it is non-ionic it cleans without leaving a tight or squeaky feel
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water blend into a stable mixture which keeps lotions smooth and prevents separation in products like cream cleansers or milky serums. A stable emulsion means an even texture, better spreadability and consistent delivery of active ingredients
Who Can Use C12-15 Pareth-5
C12-15 Pareth-5 is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and sensitive skin because it is a mild non-ionic surfactant that keeps the skin’s natural barrier largely intact. People with very dry or compromised skin might want a formula that pairs it with extra moisturizers since surfactants can contribute to a feeling of tightness if overused.
The ingredient is made from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic ethylene oxide so it is compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Those following strict cruelty-free principles should still confirm that the finished product and brand share the same stance on animal testing.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically and rinsed or left on the skin in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
C12-15 Pareth-5 does not cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It can be used year-round without special UV precautions beyond regular sun protection habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects or reactions to topical C12-15 Pareth-5 vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly in cosmetic products.
- Mild skin irritation in the form of a temporary stinging or tingling sensation, usually when the product is left on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Redness or itchiness from rare cases of contact sensitivity
- Allergic contact dermatitis in extremely rare instances for individuals specifically allergic to ethoxylated surfactants
- Eye irritation such as watering or mild burning if the product accidentally enters the eyes before rinsing
- Scalp flaking when used in shampoos at higher levels on very sensitive scalps
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1 (essentially non-comedogenic)
C12-15 Pareth-5 is highly water soluble and rinses clean without leaving a greasy film that could clog pores. Its molecules are too large to penetrate and sit inside pores, and it is usually used at low percentages within formulas that are meant to wash off. For those reasons scientists and formulators consider it a negligible acne trigger.
People who are prone to breakouts can generally use products containing C12-15 Pareth-5 without worrying about new pimples developing.
Because every finished formula is different, overall pore clogging potential depends on the full ingredient mix and how well the product is rinsed away.
Summary
C12-15 Pareth-5 works as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. As a non-ionic surfactant it lowers water’s surface tension so dirt, oil and makeup lift off skin or hair and rinse away easily. Its partial oil-loving character also lets it sit at the boundary of oil and water phases, keeping lotions, cleansers and serums smoothly blended.
You will spot it most often in face washes, micellar waters and lightweight lotions. It is not a headline-grabbing active but formulators value it for reliability, gentleness and versatility so it shows up a lot behind the scenes in everyday products.
Current safety reviews rate C12-15 Pareth-5 as low risk for irritation or systemic toxicity when used at normal cosmetic levels. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this or any other surfactant before full use.