What Is C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid?
C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid is a synthetic surfactant made from medium-chain fatty alcohols that have 12 to 13 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols are often sourced from coconut oil or petroleum. Chemists link each alcohol molecule to about seven units of ethylene oxide, then convert the end of the chain into a mild carboxylic acid group. The result is a molecule with both oil-loving and water-loving parts, a key feature for cleansing agents.
The ingredient appeared in the late 1970s as part of a wave of new non-soap cleansers that were gentler on skin than traditional lye-based soaps. Its earlier name was C12-13 Pareth-7 Carboxylic Acid but the cosmetics industry later adopted the current name to match updated naming guidelines.
Large-scale production is straightforward. Manufacturers start with purified fatty alcohols, run them through a controlled ethoxylation step, then carry out mild oxidation to form the carboxylic acid. Quality checks make sure the final product has the right balance of carbon chain length and average of seven ethoxy groups.
You will most often find C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid in facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup removing wipes and shampoo-like rinse-off products. It may also appear in clay masks and exfoliating gels where gentle foaming action helps lift away excess oil and dirt.
C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, this ingredient shines as a cleansing agent. Its dual nature binds to oils on the skin while allowing them to mix with water, so grime can rinse away easily. It produces a light foam, leaves little residue and helps other surfactants work more efficiently, giving products a soft, non-stripping feel after washing.
Who Can Use C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin because it cleanses without the heavy stripping effect linked to harsher foaming agents. Very reactive or eczema-prone skin should still watch for any tightness or stinging since any surfactant can aggravate an already compromised barrier.
The ingredient itself is synthetic and contains no animal-derived materials, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product is formulated without animal by-products and is not tested on animals.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women. The molecule stays on the skin only briefly in rinse-off products and has negligible systemic absorption. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before adding new skincare just to be safe.
C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used during daytime routines without increasing the risk of sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid vary from person to person. The effects listed below are potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness, especially after frequent washing
- Transient redness or stinging on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with specific sensitivities
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Exacerbation of existing skin conditions such as eczema when overused
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid is a water-soluble surfactant that quickly rinses off and leaves minimal residue, which keeps the chance of pore clogging very low. Its molecular structure is designed to lift away oils rather than sit on the skin, so it rarely contributes to blackheads or breakouts.
Because of this low score it is generally suitable for acne-prone or oily skin types.
Keep in mind that a formula’s overall comedogenicity depends on every ingredient used, so pairing this surfactant with heavy oils or waxes could still cause congestion.
Summary
C12-13 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid is mainly a cleansing agent. Its dual oil-loving and water-loving structure latches onto dirt, sebum and makeup then allows them to wash away with water, delivering a gentle yet effective clean without the squeaky-tight feel of harsher soaps.
While not a headline-grabbing ingredient, it quietly appears in a fair number of face washes, body cleansers and micellar waters because formulators value its mildness and easy compatibility with other surfactants.
Safety data show it is low risk for most users when used as directed, with irritation or dryness only an issue for very sensitive skin or when overused. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a small patch test first to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.