What Is C12-13 Pareth-3?
C12-13 Pareth-3 is a synthetic ingredient made by reacting medium-chain fatty alcohols derived from coconut or palm kernels with roughly three units of ethylene oxide. The result is an ethoxylated alcohol that behaves like a gentle surfactant. First introduced in the late 1970s as formulators searched for milder and more versatile cleansers, it quickly found a place in personal care products thanks to its balanced combination of oil-loving and water-loving parts.
The manufacturing process starts with the purification of natural C12-C13 fatty alcohols. These alcohols are fed into a reactor where ethylene oxide gas is added under controlled heat and pressure. By stopping the reaction after about three moles of ethylene oxide attach to each alcohol molecule, chemists create a short, consistent chain that offers both solubility in water and an affinity for oil and dirt.
You will most often see C12-13 Pareth-3 in face cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, body washes, liquid hand soaps and household cleaning sprays. It can also appear in moisturizers, makeup removers and exfoliating masks where a light cleansing boost or improved texture is needed.
C12-13 Pareth-3’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is chosen because it delivers two main technical benefits that improve how a product looks, feels and performs on the skin or hair.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away oil, sweat and daily grime then helps suspend them in water so they rinse off easily. Because the ethoxylated chain is short, it cleans without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight.
- Emulsifying: It helps blend oil and water phases, keeping a formula smooth and stable. This allows creamy cleansers, lotions and masks to stay uniform from the first pump to the last.
Who Can Use C12-13 Pareth-3
C12-13 Pareth-3 is generally considered mild enough for all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Its short ethoxylated chain cleans without stripping so it rarely aggravates dryness or trigger excess oil production. Extremely reactive or eczema-prone skin may still prefer formulas with an even gentler surfactant blend but most people tolerate it well.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant-derived fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide rather than animal sources, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. As always, check the finished product for other animal-derived additives if you follow a strict vegan routine.
There are no known issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when C12-13 Pareth-3 is used in rinse-off or leave-on personal care products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should share their full skincare lineup with a qualified healthcare provider to be extra safe.
C12-13 Pareth-3 does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daily sunscreen use is still encouraged for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-13 Pareth-3 vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, although they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated correctly and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation – may present as temporary redness or stinging, typically in people with very sensitive or compromised skin
- Dryness or tightness – possible if used in high concentrations or in formulas lacking replenishing ingredients
- Eye irritation – can cause watering or discomfort if a cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare delayed hypersensitivity reaction resulting in itching, rash or swelling
If any discomfort, redness or other negative reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1 (very low)
C12-13 Pareth-3 is a lightweight water-soluble surfactant that does not leave an oily film on the skin, so it is highly unlikely to clog pores. Most comedogenicity scales list ethoxylated alcohols in the 0 to 1 range because they rinse clean and are used at modest levels. For acne-prone or breakout-prone users this ingredient is generally considered safe, especially in foaming cleansers and other rinse-off formulas.
Because it is almost always combined with other mild surfactants the overall pore-clogging risk of a finished product remains low. Only in very heavy leave-on creams used at high percentages would the rating inch higher, which is uncommon.
Summary
C12-13 Pareth-3 serves two core jobs: it lifts away dirt and oil for gentle cleansing and it helps mix oil and water so a formula stays smooth and uniform. It achieves both tasks thanks to its balanced structure that loves both water and lipids, letting it latch onto grime then wash it down the drain while keeping emulsions stable.
Although not as famous as sulfates or trendy plant surfactants, this workhorse is quietly popular in everyday cleansers, facial wipes, shampoos and makeup removers because it delivers reliable performance without harshness.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation, allergy or pore blockage when used as intended. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that features C12-13 Pareth-3 or other unfamiliar ingredients.