What Is C12-13 Alketh-15?
C12-13 Alketh-15 is a man-made ingredient that belongs to the family of nonionic surfactants. Chemically it is a polyethylene glycol ether produced from a blend of synthetic fatty alcohols that contain 12 to 13 carbon atoms. About 15 units of ethylene oxide are attached to each alcohol molecule, giving the material its water-loving character. Nonionic surfactants like this were first introduced in the 1950s when chemists looked for gentle yet effective ingredients to blend oil and water in household and personal care products. Today C12-13 Alketh-15 is created by reacting purified C12-13 alcohols with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure, a process known as ethoxylation. Because it is reliable, relatively mild, and easy to work with, formulators add it to many leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics such as facial moisturizers, anti-aging creams, clay or sheet masks, sunscreens, makeup removers, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners and styling creams.
C12-13 Alketh-15’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
C12-13 Alketh-15 brings one main benefit to a formula thanks to its role as an emulsifier. It helps oil and water stay blended so the product looks uniform, feels smooth, and delivers its active ingredients evenly to the skin or hair. A stable emulsion also resists separating over time, which improves shelf life and keeps the texture pleasant from the first use to the last.
Who Can Use C12-13 Alketh-15
C12-13 Alketh-15 is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry skin because it is used at low concentrations and does not add oil or heavy film to the skin. Most sensitive skin users also tolerate it well but an occasional person with highly reactive skin could feel mild stinging or redness since it is a surfactant and can disrupt an already fragile skin barrier.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and does not rely on animal derived raw materials so products containing it are usually acceptable to vegans and vegetarians. As always check the full ingredient list for other components that might not meet those preferences.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when this emulsifier is used as directed in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare choices with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
C12-13 Alketh-15 is not known to cause photosensitivity and it does not interfere with sunscreen performance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
- Mild skin irritation such as tingling dryness or redness
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with an allergy to ethoxylated surfactants
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Increased sensitivity of already damaged or abraded skin
If any discomfort or adverse effect occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C12-13 Alketh-15 is mainly water soluble and used at low levels so it does not sit on the skin like heavier oils that can block pores. Because it helps mix oil and water it can even aid in rinsing excess oil off the skin. For these reasons it earns a low score of 1.
Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can safely use products that contain this ingredient.
If the finished formula also includes rich plant butters or waxes the overall pore-clogging potential will depend on those other ingredients not on C12-13 Alketh-15 itself.
Summary
C12-13 Alketh-15 is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water blended so creams stay smooth deliver their ingredients evenly and remain stable on the shelf. It does this by lowering the surface tension between the two phases letting them mix instead of separate.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse. It appears in many everyday items like lotions sunscreens and shampoos but it is not as well known to shoppers as trendy actives such as vitamin C or retinol.
Safety reviews show it is low risk for most users with only rare mild irritation reported. As with any new skincare product it is smart to do a quick patch test before using it all over just to be on the safe side.