What Is Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate?
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate is a synthetic cleansing agent made from fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm oil. Chemists attach about five units of ethylene oxide to the fatty alcohol chain, then convert the result to a carboxylate salt by reacting it with sodium. This gives the ingredient a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail, a structure that lets it lift dirt and oil from skin and hair.
The ingredient first showed up in personal care labs in the late twentieth century as formulators searched for alternatives to traditional sulfates. Its milder profile and good foaming ability quickly made it popular in rinse-off products. Today you will most often see Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate in facial cleansers, body washes, liquid hand soaps, bubble baths and shampoos. It may also appear in exfoliating scrubs or makeup-removing wipes where a gentle yet effective surfactant is needed.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics this ingredient serves one main purpose that delivers several practical advantages for both formulators and users.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate acts as a cleansing agent. Its surfactant nature helps water mix with oils and debris so they rinse away easily. This results in a rich lather, a fresh feel after washing and an overall cleaner surface without the tightness some harsher cleansers can cause.
Who Can Use Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate
This surfactant is generally compatible with normal, oily and combination skin because it cleans effectively without the harshness sometimes linked to sulfates. People with sensitive or very dry skin can usually tolerate it as well, although formulas that pair the ingredient with strong astringents or high alcohol levels may still feel drying.
The raw material is produced from coconut or palm derived fatty alcohols and contains no animal components so it is considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current cosmetic safety assessments show no reason to restrict use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because the molecule works on the surface of skin and is not expected to penetrate in meaningful amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their skincare choices past a licensed healthcare provider to be safe.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most other common cleansing agents which helps formulators build balanced, low irritation washes.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness after rinsing
- Temporary redness or stinging on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the lather accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to similar surfactants
- Scalp or hair dryness if used in a shampoo formula that lacks adequate conditioning agents
If any irritation or discomfort develops discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and does not linger on the skin or mix with sebum, so it has virtually no chance of blocking pores. Its molecular size and polarity keep it mobile in water and prevent the kind of film-forming that can trap dead cells or oil. This makes it a safe pick for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Because it is used almost exclusively in rinse-off products, contact time is short, further reducing any clogging risk.
Summary
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-5 Carboxylate is a mild, sulfate-free cleansing agent that lifts away dirt, oil and product build-up by surrounding them so they can be carried off with water. Its balanced oil-loving tail and water-loving head create a creamy lather without the stripping feel stronger detergents can cause.
While not as famous as sodium lauryl sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine, this ingredient has carved out a steady following in modern gentle cleansers, body washes, shampoos and wipes aimed at users who want effective foam with lower irritation.
Existing safety data shows it to be low risk for skin, eyes and overall health when used in standard cosmetic concentrations. Even so, skin can be unpredictable so it is always smart to patch test any new product that features this or any other surfactant before making it a regular part of your routine.