What Is C12-16 Pareth-5?
C12-16 Pareth-5 is a synthetic ingredient created by reacting medium-chain fatty alcohols, usually derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, with about five units of ethylene oxide. The result is an ethoxylated alcohol that blends the oil-loving traits of its fatty alcohol backbone with the water-loving nature of the added ethylene oxide chain. This balanced structure lets the molecule mingle with both oil and water, making it a handy helper in many personal care formulas.
Ethoxylated alcohols like C12-16 Pareth-5 first appeared in household cleansers in the mid-20th century when chemists were looking for milder yet effective surfactants. Their gentle cleansing profile quickly caught the attention of cosmetic formulators who needed surfactants that would not strip skin or hair. Over time the ingredient earned its place in everyday beauty staples thanks to its reliability versatility and cost-effectiveness.
The manufacturing process starts with fatty alcohols that contain 12 to 16 carbon atoms. These alcohols are mixed with ethylene oxide gas under controlled heat and pressure. The reaction is stopped once an average of five ethylene oxide units have attached to each alcohol molecule. The final material is then purified and sometimes blended with water or other surfactants before heading to formulation labs.
You will most often spot C12-16 Pareth-5 in facial cleansers body washes shampoos micellar waters baby bath products exfoliating scrubs makeup removers and some light moisturizers or lotions where a mild cleansing action or emulsification boost is needed.
C12-16 Pareth-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas C12-16 Pareth-5 earns its keep by performing two key jobs
- Cleansing: As a gentle surfactant it lowers the surface tension between oil and water so dirt excess sebum and makeup can be lifted away and rinsed off without leaving skin or hair feeling tight
- Emulsifying: It helps oil-based and water-based ingredients stay evenly mixed which keeps creams lotions and liquid washes stable smooth and pleasant to use
Who Can Use C12-16 Pareth-5
C12-16 Pareth-5 is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its mild cleansing action suits normal, oily and combination skin and it is gentle enough for many people with dry or sensitive skin. Those with severely compromised or highly reactive skin should still proceed cautiously because any surfactant can contribute to barrier disruption if used in high amounts or left on the skin too long.
The fatty alcohols used to create this ingredient are typically sourced from coconut or palm kernels so formulations containing C12-16 Pareth-5 are ordinarily suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Anyone following a strict plant-only lifestyle may wish to verify that no animal derived processing aids were used by the finished product’s manufacturer.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel classifies C12-16 Pareth-5 as safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on products at customary levels. Current data do not flag any special concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding users however this material is provided for information only. Expectant or nursing women should review any skincare routine with their healthcare provider to be absolutely certain.
C12-16 Pareth-5 does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and has no known interactions with common photosensitizing medications or ingredients.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical ingredients can differ. The points below outline potential side effects linked to C12-16 Pareth-5 but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness itching or a stinging sensation
- Dryness or tightness if the product is left on the skin for extended periods or used too frequently
- Allergic contact dermatitis in persons already sensitized to ethoxylated surfactants
- Eye irritation and watering if the ingredient comes into direct contact with the eyes
- Trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane if the manufacturing process was not properly controlled though reputable brands keep levels well below safety thresholds
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (very low)
C12-16 Pareth-5 is a small, water-soluble surfactant that rinses off easily and does not linger in pores so it has little chance of clogging them. It lacks the heavy oily structure typical of highly comedogenic ingredients which keeps the risk minimal even in leave-on formulas.
Because of its low rating most acne-prone users can usually tolerate products containing C12-16 Pareth-5 without seeing an uptick in breakouts.
The only time pore clogging might become a concern is if the ingredient is paired with richer oils or waxes in a formulation in which case the overall product, not the surfactant itself, could be the culprit.
Summary
C12-16 Pareth-5 acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its dual nature—one end attracted to oil the other to water—lets it lift away dirt makeup and excess sebum while helping oily and watery components stay blended so lotions and washes remain smooth and stable.
You will find it in all sorts of everyday products from facial cleansers and body washes to gentle baby baths. It is not as famous as some headline surfactants yet formulators value it for being mild cost-effective and dependable.
Current safety reviews show it is low risk for most users when used at standard levels in both rinse-off and leave-on items. Still skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to patch test any new product that features C12-16 Pareth-5 before fully adding it to your routine.