What Is C12-13 Pareth-7?
C12-13 Pareth-7 is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching seven units of ethylene oxide to fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm kernel oil. The numbers 12-13 refer to the length of the carbon chains in those fatty alcohols while the 7 shows the average number of ethylene oxide units added. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that mixes easily with both oil and water.
The use of ethoxylated fatty alcohols in personal care started in the 1950s when chemists searched for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Over time formulators noticed that a blend with around seven ethylene oxide units offered a good balance of gentleness and cleaning power, so C12-13 Pareth-7 found its place in everyday products.
To make it, producers first isolate the C12-13 fatty alcohols from natural oils, purify them, then react them with ethylene oxide gas under controlled heat and pressure. After neutralizing and filtering, the finished liquid is ready for blending into cosmetic formulas.
You will most often see C12-13 Pareth-7 in facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, liquid hand soaps, bath gels, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs and some light lotions where a quick rinse or easy spread is important.
C12-13 Pareth-7’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a formula C12-13 Pareth-7 plays two key roles that help products work and feel better on the skin or hair.
- Cleansing: Its structure lets it grab onto dirt, oil and makeup while still rinsing away with water. This helps deliver a thorough but gentle clean that leaves skin feeling fresh without a tight after-feel
- Emulsifying: It acts as a bridge between oil and water so creams, lotions and cleansing oils stay smooth and stable. This keeps textures consistent over time and prevents ingredients from separating on the shelf
Who Can Use C12-13 Pareth-7
C12-13 Pareth-7 is generally well tolerated by normal, oily, combination and most sensitive skin types because it cleans without leaving a harsh residue. Very dry or already compromised skin might feel a bit tight if the ingredient sits on the skin for a long time, so those users may prefer formulas that pair it with extra moisturizers.
The fatty alcohols used to make C12-13 Pareth-7 are sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil and no animal-derived raw materials are involved, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always, sourcing can vary, so dedicated plant-based consumers may want to double-check with the brand.
The ingredient is not known to pose special risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it stays on the skin surface and is rinsed away. This is not medical advice, though, and anyone pregnant or nursing should run their skincare routine past a doctor to be on the safe side.
C12-13 Pareth-7 does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also color-safe for hair products and can be used on the scalp without affecting hair dye.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of C12-13 Pareth-7 vary from person to person. The following issues are possible but unlikely for most people when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic levels
- Transient redness, stinging or burning if applied to broken or highly sensitive skin
- Mild dryness or tightness when the formula is left on the skin for an extended period before rinsing
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals who are specifically sensitized to ethoxylated surfactants
- Eye irritation such as tearing or slight burning if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- In very high concentrations it can strip natural oils leading to a temporary disruption of the skin barrier
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. C12-13 Pareth-7 is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and does not leave an oily film on the skin, which keeps the chance of clogged pores very low. Its molecular size and strong affinity for water mean it is unlikely to build up inside pores, so blemish-prone users can generally use products containing this ingredient without extra worry. Because it helps lift away excess sebum rather than adding to it, the risk of it triggering breakouts is minimal. Only in very rich leave-on formulas or at unusually high percentages could residue become a concern, but that is rare in mainstream skincare.
Summary
C12-13 Pareth-7 serves mainly as a gentle cleanser and a reliable emulsifier. Its mixed oil-loving and water-loving structure lets it surround dirt and makeup then carry them away with the rinse water. The same structure positions it at the boundary between oil and water inside a lotion, holding everything together so textures stay smooth from the first pump to the last drop.
The ingredient is fairly common in face washes, micellar waters and lightweight shampoos though it is not a household name because brands usually group it under “mild surfactants” on the label rather than promote it as a star feature. Formulators appreciate it for its balance of mildness and cleaning power, which keeps it quietly popular behind the scenes.
Safety data and decades of use show it is low risk for most skin types when used at normal cosmetic levels. Still, skin individuality matters so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains C12-13 Pareth-7 to make sure it plays well with your unique skin barrier.