What Is C12-13 Pareth-2?
C12-13 Pareth-2 is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching an average of two ethylene oxide units to naturally derived fatty alcohols that contain 12 to 13 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols usually come from renewable plant oils such as coconut or palm kernel. The result is a small nonionic surfactant that mixes well with both water and oil.
Nonionic surfactants like C12-13 Pareth-2 have been part of personal care formulas since the 1970s when chemists looked for gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. The ethoxylation process that creates the ingredient is carried out under controlled temperature and pressure, allowing manufacturers to fine-tune the final molecule for mildness and performance.
You will most often spot C12-13 Pareth-2 in rinse-off products where its ability to lift dirt and oils shines, including facial cleansers, body washes, hand soaps and shampoos. It also shows up in lotions, creams, masks and makeup removers where it helps oil and water stay evenly blended for a smooth stable texture.
C12-13 Pareth-2’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators lean on C12-13 Pareth-2 for two main reasons
- Cleansing – Its surfactant nature traps oil, dirt and makeup so they can be rinsed away with water which leaves skin and hair feeling fresh without a heavy residue
- Emulsifying – It keeps oil and water phases mixed so creams and lotions stay uniform improving spreadability and preventing the formula from separating over time
Who Can Use C12-13 Pareth-2
C12-13 Pareth-2 is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin because it is a mild nonionic surfactant. If your skin is extremely dry or compromised you might feel a bit of tightness after a high-foaming wash that relies heavily on this ingredient, so following with a moisturiser is wise.
The fatty alcohol starting materials are plant based so the finished ingredient is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the overall product is certified cruelty free.
Current safety reviews show no specific concerns for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a healthcare professional before use.
C12-13 Pareth-2 is not known to cause photosensitivity so it will not increase your risk of sunburn. As with any cleanser or emulsifier, overuse can disrupt the skin barrier but routine, moderate use in well-formulated products is considered safe.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical C12-13 Pareth-2 differ from person to person. The points below outline possible reactions, but most people will not notice any of these when the ingredient is used correctly in finished products.
- Mild transient skin dryness or tightness, especially after frequent washing
- Temporary stinging if the product gets into the eyes
- Low risk of irritation on already damaged or highly sensitive skin
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with specific sensitivities
If you notice itching, redness, swelling or any discomfort after using a product that contains C12-13 Pareth-2 stop using it and seek advice from a medical professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
C12-13 Pareth-2 is highly water soluble and is usually found in rinse-off products, so it does not stay on the skin long enough to clog pores. Its small nonionic structure lifts oils away instead of leaving an occlusive film, which keeps the likelihood of blocked pores very low.
Because of this low residue profile the ingredient is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
No published data links C12-13 Pareth-2 to increased comedone formation, and it is often used in formulas specifically marketed as non-comedogenic.
Summary
C12-13 Pareth-2 works as a gentle cleanser and an emulsifier. The surfactant head binds to water while the fatty alcohol tail grabs onto oils, letting dirt and makeup wash away easily. Those same water-loving portions help keep oil and water mixed, so creams and washes stay smooth and stable.
The ingredient sees steady use in mainstream shampoos, face washes and light lotions. It is not a headline superstar but formulators appreciate its reliability, mildness and plant-derived background.
Safety reviews rate it as low risk when used at cosmetic levels. Most skin types tolerate it well, though patch testing any new product is a smart habit to spot individual sensitivities before full use.