What Is C22-24 Pareth-33?
C22-24 Pareth-33 is a group of synthetic fatty alcohol ethers created by reacting very long chain alcohols (those with 22 to 24 carbon atoms) with about 33 units of ethylene oxide. The starting fatty alcohols can come from plant oils such as rapeseed or from petroleum-derived sources, but the final ingredient is always highly refined and consistent. Developed in the late 20th century as formulators searched for milder and more versatile surfactants, it quickly found a place in personal care because of its balanced mix of oil-loving and water-loving parts.
The production process, called ethoxylation, grafts repeating ethylene oxide units onto the fatty alcohol backbone. This step turns a waxy, oil-soluble substance into one that can mingle with both oils and water, making it an excellent helper in emulsions and cleansing systems. After purification and quality checks the ingredient appears as a soft solid or thick liquid that melts easily into cosmetic bases.
You will most often see C22-24 Pareth-33 in cleansers, creamy facial masks, moisturizers, lightweight lotions, anti-aging serums, sunscreens and leave-on hair treatments. It is rarely the star of the show but it plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in keeping these products smooth, stable and pleasant to use.
C22-24 Pareth-33’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose C22-24 Pareth-33 because it can handle several important jobs at once:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature allows it to lift away dirt, oil and makeup without harshness so products can clean effectively while remaining gentle
- Emulsion stabilising: It helps keep oil and water phases from separating over time giving creams and lotions longer shelf life and a consistent texture
- Emulsifying: By linking oil and water together it enables the creation of smooth, uniform emulsions that spread easily and feel light on skin
Who Can Use C22-24 Pareth-33
C22-24 Pareth-33 is considered gentle enough for most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination. Its long fatty chain gives a mild, non stripping cleansing action while the added ethoxylate units help it rinse away easily, making it friendly to sensitive skin as well. That said, people with a known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients might prefer to steer clear since even low levels can sometimes trigger irritation.
The ingredient is synthetic and can be sourced from plant oils or petroleum, but no animal materials are required, so products containing it are generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If a brand wishes to confirm this status they should verify that the original fatty alcohol feedstock was plant based and that no animal derived processing aids were used.
C22-24 Pareth-33 has no known hormonal effects and is not absorbed into the bloodstream in any meaningful amount, so it is usually regarded as safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their skin care choices past a healthcare professional to be safe.
The molecule does not react with sunlight and is not a photosensitiser, so daytime use will not raise the risk of sun-related irritation. It is also non volatile and fragrance free, which means it will not make a product smell stronger or evaporate faster.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical C22-24 Pareth-33 can vary from person to person. The following list covers potential reactions but most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is used at the levels normally found in cosmetics.
- Mild skin irritation and temporary redness, especially on compromised or very reactive skin
- Eye irritation if the formula accidentally gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to fatty alcohol ethoxylates
- Scalp dryness or flaking when used in hair products that stay on the scalp for extended periods
- Rare breakouts in acne prone users if the finished formula is overly rich or occlusive
If you experience any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Although C22-24 Pareth-33 contains a long fatty chain, the 33 ethoxylate units make it far more water soluble than plain fatty alcohols so it is less likely to sit inside pores and cause blockages. It is usually used at low levels and is designed to rinse cleanly which further reduces clogging potential. Most people who struggle with acne can use products containing this ingredient without extra breakouts. Formulas heavy in waxes or butters may still feel too rich, so overall product design matters more than this single raw material.
Summary
C22-24 Pareth-33 works as a mild cleanser, an emulsifier and an emulsion stabiliser. Its long oil-loving tail grabs onto makeup and sebum while the string of ethoxylate units lets the whole complex wash away with water. The same split personality lets it link oil and water into smooth creams and keeps those mixtures from separating on the shelf.
It is not the most famous surfactant on the market, sitting behind household names like Laureth-4 or Polysorbate 20, but chemists who need a gentle high-HLB helper for richer formulas reach for it regularly. Safety studies and decades of use show a low irritation profile and virtually no systemic absorption, so routine cosmetic concentrations are considered safe for everyday use. As with any new product touching your skin a small patch test is always smart so you can catch any rare personal sensitivity early.