What Is C12-13 Alketh-23?
C12-13 Alketh-23 is a man-made ingredient that belongs to the family of nonionic surfactants. It starts with a blend of synthetic fatty alcohols that have 12 or 13 carbon atoms. These alcohols are reacted with about 23 units of ethylene oxide, creating a polyethylene glycol ether that is water friendly on one end and oil friendly on the other. This split personality lets it mix oily grime with water so it can be rinsed away.
The chemistry behind it dates back to the mid-20th century when chemists looked for gentler cleansing agents than traditional soap. Ethoxylated alcohols like C12-13 Alketh-23 proved mild yet effective, so they quickly found a place in cosmetic formulas. Today the ingredient is made in large reactors where the fatty alcohol mix is purified then treated with ethylene oxide gas under heat and pressure. The finished liquid or paste is filtered, tested for purity, and shipped to manufacturers.
You will spot C12-13 Alketh-23 in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products. Facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, shower gels, body scrubs, makeup removers, toners, serums, and even some sheet mask essences rely on it to keep formulas clear and stable while giving a gentle cleanse.
C12-13 Alketh-23’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and haircare formulas this ingredient serves two key roles that boost both product performance and user experience.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension between water and oil so dirt, excess sebum, sunscreen, and makeup can be lifted away without harsh rubbing. Because it is nonionic it tends to be milder than traditional soap based cleansers making it suitable for daily use.
- Solubilizing: It can keep small amounts of oily ingredients or fragrance evenly dispersed in a mostly water-based solution. This prevents separation, keeps the product looking clear, and ensures every pump or swipe delivers the same balanced mix of ingredients.
Who Can Use C12-13 Alketh-23
Thanks to its mild nonionic nature this surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. It does not strip the skin’s natural lipids the way some harsher cleansers can so most people find it comfortable for daily use. Extremely dry or compromised skin may still prefer richer formulas with extra moisturizers but the ingredient itself is not known to be irritating.
C12-13 Alketh-23 is produced from synthetic fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide rather than animal sources, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by products are used during its manufacture and the final ingredient is cruelty free in regions that ban animal testing on finished cosmetics.
Current safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare products past a healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn so it is not considered photosensitizing. It also does not react with common active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids or chemical exfoliants so it can be layered with most routines without issue.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-13 Alketh-23 vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated into a product.
- Mild skin irritation rare stinging or redness can occur, usually in people with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Eye irritation if a cleanser containing the ingredient gets into the eyes it can cause watering or a brief sting
- Allergic contact dermatitis uncommon sensitization may lead to itching rash or swelling
If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. C12-13 Alketh-23 is a water-soluble nonionic surfactant that easily rinses off the skin instead of lingering in pores. It has a large molecular size and does not behave like oily or waxy emollients that can clog follicles. For these reasons it earns a very low score.
Good news for breakout-prone users: products that feature this ingredient are generally fine to use on acne-prone skin.
One thing to keep in mind is the rest of the formula. Heavy oils or butters paired with C12-13 Alketh-23 can still cause congestion even though this particular surfactant is unlikely to do so on its own.
Summary
C12-13 Alketh-23 is mainly a cleanser and solubilizer. Its split personality structure—oil loving on one end and water loving on the other—lets it grab onto dirt makeup and excess sebum then lift them into water so they wash away. The same trait keeps small amounts of oils or fragrance evenly mixed in a watery base preventing separation and cloudy spots.
While not a household name like glycerin or hyaluronic acid it is quietly popular with formulators who need a mild reliable surfactant that plays well with other ingredients. You will find it more often in micellar waters shampoos and gentle cleansers than in high-profile marketing campaigns.
Current safety studies show it is low risk for irritation or allergy when used at cosmetic levels. Still every skin is unique so it is smart to patch test a new product containing C12-13 Alketh-23 before applying it to the entire face or body.