What Is C12-16 Alketh-5?
C12-16 Alketh-5 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching about five units of ethylene oxide to medium-chain fatty alcohols that contain 12 to 16 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols can be sourced from petrochemicals or from natural fats such as coconut or palm oil, but the final material is produced in a controlled lab setting to ensure consistency. The process, called ethoxylation, lets the fatty part of the molecule stay friendly to oils while the added ethylene oxide units attract water, giving the compound its surface-active traits.
Polyethylene glycol ethers like this have been used in personal care since the 1950s when formulators sought reliable ways to blend oil and water for smoother textures. Over time producers fine-tuned the number of ethylene oxide units to create different versions suited to light lotions, rich creams and everything in between. C12-16 Alketh-5 hit the market as part of that wave and is now found in facial cleansers, body lotions, sunscreens, hair conditioners, sheet masks and wipe solutions where a mild yet effective emulsifier is needed.
C12-16 Alketh-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main job in a formula: it is an emulsifying agent. By sitting at the boundary between oil and water it pulls the two together into a stable blend so the product does not separate in the bottle or on your skin. A good emulsion gives a lotion its silky feel helps active ingredients spread evenly and improves shelf life which in turn means a better user experience from first pump to last drop.
Who Can Use C12-16 Alketh-5
C12-16 Alketh-5 is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and dry skin. People with very sensitive or compromised skin may still want to check ingredient lists carefully because any surfactant can occasionally feel drying or irritating if overused or paired with other strong actives.
The ingredient is synthesized in a lab and contains no animal-derived components so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturers sometimes source the original fatty alcohols from plant oils like coconut or palm which keeps the supply chain free of animal inputs.
Current safety reviews have not flagged C12-16 Alketh-5 as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is general information only and does not replace medical advice. Expectant or nursing mothers should show product ingredient lists to their healthcare provider before adding new items to a routine.
C12-16 Alketh-5 does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and it has no known interactions with common UV filters so it can be worn day or night without extra photo-precautions beyond daily sunscreen use.
The ingredient is also fragrance free and colorless which makes it a flexible option for people trying to avoid added scent or dyes.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of C12-16 Alketh-5 vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as slight redness or warmth
- Tight or dry feeling if the formula is left on skin for a long time or used too frequently
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitized to ethoxylated alcohols
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any discomfort persists or worsens after applying a product that contains C12-16 Alketh-5.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. C12-16 Alketh-5 is a low level surfactant that stays mostly in the water phase of a formula and rinses away or spreads thinly on skin, so it is unlikely to block pores. The fatty alcohol portion is short to medium chain and present at low concentration which further limits any pore clogging risk. This makes the ingredient generally fine for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because real-world comedogenicity depends on the full formula and how often a product is used, extremely oily or congested skin types may still prefer light, rinse-off formats rather than heavy leave-on creams containing this emulsifier.
Summary
C12-16 Alketh-5 is an emulsifier that ties oil and water together, giving lotions, creams and cleansers a smooth, uniform texture. It does this by parking its fatty tail in oils while its ethylene oxide head stays in water, forming tiny droplets that stay mixed and feel silky when applied.
The ingredient is moderately popular: not as famous as classic surfactants like polysorbates yet common enough in modern skincare, haircare and sun care where formulators want a mild, reliable emulsifier.
Safety evaluations rate it as low risk for irritation or toxicity at the levels used in cosmetics. Still, every skin is different, so a short patch test with any new product containing C12-16 Alketh-5 is a smart precaution.