What Is C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid?
C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid is a surfactant made from medium-length fatty alcohols that have 12 to 13 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols usually come from plant oils such as coconut or palm. Chemists attach about eight units of ethylene oxide to the alcohols then oxidize one end to form a mild acid, giving the ingredient its cleansing power. First introduced in the late 1980s as a gentler alternative to harsher sulfates, it quickly found a place in personal care products because it foams well yet feels soft on skin. Today it is produced in large batches through controlled ethoxylation and carboxylation steps, which keep the final material consistent from lot to lot. You will most often spot C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid in face washes, body washes, micellar waters, shampoo, bubble baths and makeup removers where a light but effective cleanser is needed.
C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main purpose in skin and hair care formulas.
Cleansing: As a non-ionic surfactant it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and makeup lift away more easily. It creates a fine lather, rinses off without a residue and is less likely to strip the skin barrier than stronger detergents, helping products feel mild yet still leave skin and hair fresh and clean.
Who Can Use C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid
Because it is a mild non-ionic cleanser, C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid suits most skin and hair types. Normal, oily, combination and even dry or sensitive skin usually tolerates it since it removes grime without stripping away too much moisture. Very reactive or eczema-prone skin could still find any surfactant irritating if formulas are poorly balanced or left on too long so extra caution is wise in those cases.
The ingredient is produced from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic processing aids, with no animal-based substances involved. That makes it acceptable for vegetarians and vegans provided the final product has not been tested on animals.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics at typical levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should clear any skincare routine with a healthcare professional to be safe.
C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight so it is not considered photo-sensitising. It also plays well with most active ingredients, fragrances or colorants making it a flexible choice for a wide range of formulations.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as intended.
- Transient stinging or tightness – may occur on very sensitive or freshly shaved skin especially if the product is highly concentrated or left on too long
- Mild redness or itchiness – occasional with individuals prone to surfactant irritation
- Dryness or flaking – possible if used in excess or without adequate moisturising agents in the formula
- Eye irritation – like most cleansers it can cause watering or discomfort if it gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible for people with specific sensitivities to ethoxylated ingredients
If any irritation or unwanted reaction develops discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid is highly water-soluble and rinses away cleanly so it is very unlikely to block pores. Its molecule is too large and too polar to sit inside sebaceous follicles for long which keeps the chance of comedones low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most rinse-off cleansers.
The rating can edge higher if the ingredient appears in a very rich leave-on cream where heavy oils are also present but this is rare because formulators typically reserve it for washes, micellar waters and similar products.
Summary
C12-13 Alketh-8 Carboxylic Acid is primarily a mild cleansing agent that lifts away oils, makeup and everyday grime by lowering water surface tension and surrounding dirt so it can be rinsed off easily. Thanks to its balanced chain length and partial ethoxylation it foams well yet feels gentle, which is why manufacturers choose it for face washes, shampoos and micellar waters.
Although not as famous as sulfates or glucosides, it enjoys steady popularity among formulators looking for a soft, dependable surfactant that plays nicely with other ingredients and delivers a pleasant user experience.
Current safety reviews classify it as low risk at typical use levels. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product containing this ingredient before full use.