What Is C12-13 Alketh-2?
C12-13 Alketh-2 is a nonionic surfactant created by reacting a blend of synthetic C12-C13 fatty alcohols with about two units of ethylene oxide. The result is a polyethylene glycol ether that helps oil and water mix evenly. The fatty alcohols can be sourced from petroleum processing or from plant oils such as coconut or palm kernel, giving manufacturers flexibility in supply.
Nonionic surfactants like this one first appeared in household detergents in the mid-1900s. Because they were gentle and good at keeping mixtures stable, they soon found a home in personal care formulas. Over time formulators refined the ethoxylation step, improving purity and lowering skin-irritation potential, which opened the door to wider cosmetic use.
Production starts with purified C12-C13 alcohols that are placed in a reactor with ethylene oxide gas. Under controlled heat and pressure the gas attaches to the alcohol backbone, forming short polyethylene glycol chains. The finished liquid is then neutralized, filtered and quality-checked before shipping to cosmetic labs.
You will most often spot C12-13 Alketh-2 in products that need a silky, uniform texture: facial cleansers, body lotions, light moisturizers, leave-on hair conditioners, sunscreens, makeup removers, liquid foundations and sheet-mask essences. In each case its main job is to keep oily and watery parts from separating, so the product looks and feels the same from the first pump to the last.
C12-13 Alketh-2’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient plays one core role that brings several practical benefits.
As an emulsifying agent, C12-13 Alketh-2 binds oil and water into a stable mix, preventing separation over time. This stability gives products a smooth appearance, consistent thickness and a pleasant feel on skin or hair. A well-formed emulsion also spreads more easily, allowing active ingredients to distribute evenly for reliable performance every time you apply the product.
Who Can Use C12-13 Alketh-2
Because it is a mild nonionic emulsifier, C12-13 Alketh-2 is generally well tolerated by normal, oily, dry and combination skin. Sensitive or compromised skin can usually handle it too, though those prone to irritation may prefer formulas where it sits lower on the ingredient list to minimize exposure.
The ingredient itself is synthetic and can be produced from plant-derived fatty alcohols so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If a brand chooses petroleum-based feedstocks the final molecule is still free of animal material, making it acceptable for cruelty-free shoppers as well.
There are no published warnings that link C12-13 Alketh-2 to pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns. Its large molecular size limits systemic absorption, and it is used at low levels in finished products. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm every skincare product with a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
C12-13 Alketh-2 is not known to cause photosensitivity, so daytime use does not raise the risk of sun reactions. It also carries no known interactions with common actives like retinol or vitamin C outside of its routine emulsifying role.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-13 Alketh-2 vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic levels and formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation: may present as redness or a stinging sensation, most often in very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis: rare allergic response leading to itching, swelling or rash
- Dryness or tightness: prolonged exposure in high-foaming cleansers can disrupt the skin barrier for some users
- Eye irritation: accidental contact can cause watering and discomfort until rinsed away
- Enhanced penetration of other actives: by improving ingredient dispersion it can indirectly increase the potency of irritant actives in the same formula
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C12-13 Alketh-2 is a lightweight nonionic surfactant that rinses clean and does not leave an oily film on the skin, so it has very little tendency to clog pores. That places it just above completely inert ingredients like water on the comedogenic scale.
Because of this low rating, the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
No published research links it to fungal acne triggers and it is PEG-based rather than oil-based, which further reduces pore-blocking risk.
Summary
C12-13 Alketh-2 is used in cosmetics mainly as an emulsifier that keeps oil and water phases blended, giving formulas a smooth look and even texture. Its amphiphilic structure latches onto both oily and watery ingredients so the mixture stays stable through shelf life and use. This role helps products spread easily, feel light and deliver actives uniformly.
While not as famous as classic emulsifiers like polysorbates, it shows up regularly in cleansers, lotions and hair conditioners because it balances mildness with dependable performance. Brands appreciate that it is versatile, cost-effective and vegan-friendly, so its popularity sits solidly in the middle of the pack.
Safety data and decades of cosmetic use indicate a low risk of irritation or sensitization when used at normal levels. Still, skin can react unpredictably to any ingredient so it is smart to patch test new products that contain C12-13 Alketh-2 before full application.