What Is Sodium C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylate?
Sodium C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylate is a mild surfactant made from fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemists first take the C12-C13 chain alcohols and react them with ethylene oxide to attach about 12 units of oxygen-rich “ethylene glycol” to each chain. The new molecule is then treated with chloroacetic acid to add a carboxyl group, and finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide to create the water-soluble salt used in cosmetics. This extra processing turns a basic plant oil into an ingredient that mixes easily with water, lifts away dirt and keeps formulas stable.
The ingredient gained popularity in the late 1980s as brands looked for gentler, sulfate-free cleansers. Its balanced charge makes it less likely to strip skin, so it shows up in face washes, micellar waters, body cleansers, baby baths, shampoo, shaving creams, makeup removers and some light lotions.
Sodium C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, this multitasker offers a couple of key actions that improve both product performance and user experience.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension of water so oils, debris and makeup can be lifted off skin or hair then rinsed away easily. This results in a fresh, comfortable clean without a tight after-feel.
- Emulsifying: It helps mix oil and water phases, keeping creams or washes uniform over time. A stable emulsion feels smooth, pumps out evenly and delivers active ingredients more reliably.
Who Can Use Sodium C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylate
This gentle surfactant suits most skin types, including dry, oily and combination skin, because it cleans without a harsh stripping effect. Sensitive skin often tolerates it well, yet anyone with a known allergy to ethoxylated ingredients should proceed with care.
The raw material is plant derived and the final compound contains no animal by-products, so it fits vegan and vegetarian standards.
No data suggest specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and those who are pregnant or nursing should review any skincare routine with their doctor first.
Sodium C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylate does not make skin more prone to sunburn, so there is no extra photosensitivity concern.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to any cosmetic ingredient differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects of Sodium C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylate, though most users will not notice problems when the product is well formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, especially on compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for individuals sensitized to ethoxylated surfactants
- Scalp dryness if used at very high levels in shampoo
If you notice any discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Sodium C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylate is highly water soluble, rinses off cleanly and leaves no oily residue that could clog pores. It is used at low concentrations in most formulas and has no known tendency to form films on the skin. Because of this it sits very low on the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
One thing to keep in mind is that the final product’s overall formula matters more than the rating of any single ingredient. Heavy oils, waxes or fragrances paired with this surfactant could still trigger congestion even if the surfactant itself does not.
Summary
Sodium C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylate acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its structure features a fatty tail that grabs onto oil and a charged, water-loving head that helps lift that oil away during rinsing. The ethoxylated middle section also stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures so creams and washes stay uniform and silky.
While not as famous as sulfates or classic soap bases, this ingredient has carved out a steady following since the late 1980s among brands that want a mild, sulfate-free alternative. You will spot it in gentle face washes, micellar waters, baby cleansers and lightweight lotions.
Available safety data show it to be low risk for most users when properly formulated. Serious reactions are rare and usually linked to unusually high use levels or existing sensitivities. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a quick patch test before full use just to be safe.