What Is Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate?
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate is a synthetic surfactant made by reacting natural C12-C13 fatty alcohols, often sourced from coconut or palm oil, with roughly eight units of ethylene oxide, then neutralizing the resulting carboxylic acid with sodium hydroxide. The finished ingredient is a sodium salt that dissolves readily in water and helps water mix with oils and debris. First introduced in the late twentieth century, it gained popularity as formulators searched for milder alternatives to traditional sulfated cleansers. Today it is produced in large batches through continuous ethoxylation and carboxylation processes that offer tight control over chain length and purity, giving consistent performance and low irritation potential. You will most commonly see it in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoo, micellar waters and makeup-removing wipes where a gentle yet effective cleansing action is needed without a heavy, squeaky feel.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate delivers one main benefit:
As a cleansing agent it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and product residue detach easily from skin and hair and rinse away cleanly. Its balanced structure offers good foaming and rinse-off while remaining mild, which helps brands create sulfate-free products that leave skin comfortable and hair soft instead of stripped.
Who Can Use Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate
This ingredient is considered gentle enough for most skin types including normal, oily, combination and acne-prone skin. Dry or very sensitive skin can usually tolerate it as well though very frequent or prolonged exposure may feel a bit drying because any surfactant can remove some lipids from the skin surface.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate is typically made from plant-derived fatty alcohols and contains no animal-derived substances so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Formulations that carry a vegan claim should still be checked for other animal ingredients in the overall product.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used at the low concentrations common in cleansers and wipes. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare product with their doctor to be extra safe.
The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity and it does not interfere with sunscreen performance. It also rinses away completely so it leaves no residue that would react with sunlight.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from the topical use of Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate can differ from person to person. The points below list potential reactions only and most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness, especially after long contact times
- Temporary redness or stinging on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or small bumps
- In color-treated hair cleansers repeated use may contribute to faster dye fade
If you experience any negative reaction discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic). Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate is a fully water-soluble surfactant that rinses off without leaving oily films or residue, so it does not block pores or trap dead skin cells. Its carbon chain is bound to ethoxylated units that stay suspended in water, which keeps the molecule from depositing on skin. For these reasons it is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Because it is often paired with other mild surfactants rather than heavy emollients the finished products that contain it also tend to be low risk for pore clogging.
Summary
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylate is used almost exclusively as a cleanser that helps water loosen and carry away oils, dirt and makeup. It reduces surface tension, creates a soft foam and rinses cleanly, which makes it a favorite in gentle face washes, body washes and micellar waters aimed at those who want to avoid sulfates. While not as famous as classic ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate it is gaining steady popularity in modern sulfate-free formulas because it offers good performance with lower irritation potential.
Regulatory reviews and toxicology data classify it as low risk when used at cosmetic levels, with minor dryness or eye irritation being the main concerns if used improperly. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a small patch test first so you can spot any personal sensitivities before applying it more broadly.