What Is Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate?
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate is a synthetic cleansing agent made by reacting fatty alcohols derived from coconut or palm oil (with carbon chain lengths between 12 and 15) with ethylene oxide, then converting the resulting ethoxylated alcohols into a carboxylate salt using sodium. The “7” in its name refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units attached to each fatty alcohol molecule. This balance of an oil-loving tail and a water-loving head creates a surfactant that can lift away dirt and oil while rinsing off cleanly.
The ingredient first appeared in the late 1970s when formulators were searching for milder alternatives to traditional sulfated surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. By tweaking the length of the alkyl chain and the number of ethylene oxide units, chemists created a molecule that cleans efficiently yet is generally less irritating to skin. Over time it has been adopted in a variety of rinse-off products thanks to its reliable foaming profile and compatibility with other cleansing agents.
You will most often find Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate in facial cleansers, body washes, liquid hand soaps, exfoliating scrubs, shampoo bases and occasionally in makeup-removing wipes. In these formulas it typically works alongside secondary surfactants, conditioning agents and humectants to deliver a balanced cleanse that leaves skin and hair feeling fresh but not stripped.
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single but important role in cosmetics.
Cleansing: As a surfactant it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, sweat and environmental grime can be loosened and whisked away. Its moderate foam gives users the sensory cue that the product is working and helps spread the formula evenly across skin or hair. Because it is non-sulfated and has a relatively mild irritation profile, it supports gentle daily cleansing suitable for most skin types while still delivering a thorough clean.
Who Can Use Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate
This cleanser suits most skin types including normal, combination and oily complexions thanks to its balanced cleansing strength. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it better than harsher sulfated surfactants, though very dry or severely compromised skin might still feel a little tight after frequent use because any surfactant can remove some lipids.
The ingredient is synthesised from plant-derived fatty alcohols so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are required in its manufacture.
Current safety data show no special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding users when the ingredient is used in rinse-off cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before introducing new personal care products.
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more reactive to sunlight.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate vary. The points below outline potential side effects but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation or redness
- Dryness or a feeling of tightness after cleansing
- Stinging if product gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitised to ethoxylated ingredients
If any discomfort or persistent reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses away completely instead of sitting on the skin or clogging pores. It contains no heavy oils or waxes that could trap dead skin cells or sebum, so it earns the lowest possible score on the comedogenic scale.
Because it does not leave behind residue it is generally suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin types.
Formulas that pair this ingredient with richer emollients or occlusive agents could still cause congestion for some users, so always consider the full product composition.
Summary
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylate is a mild synthetic surfactant used to cleanse skin and hair. Its structure features an oil-loving tail that grabs onto dirt plus a water-loving head that lets grime rinse away, giving an effective yet gentle wash with moderate foam.
While not as famous as sulfates or newer amino acid cleansers it appears in a steady stream of face washes, body washes and shampoos because it balances cleansing power with lower irritation potential.
Current data show it is safe for most people in rinse-off products with only a small risk of dryness or mild irritation in sensitive users. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to patch test a product that contains this ingredient before full use to ensure your skin agrees with the formula.