What Is C12-14 Alketh-11?
C12-14 Alketh-11 is a synthetic ingredient made by joining medium-chain fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide. The fatty alcohols come from lab-made versions of the kinds of fats found in coconut or palm oil. On average each alcohol molecule is linked to 11 units of ethylene oxide, which gives the material a water-loving character while the fatty part stays oil-loving. This balance makes it a useful helper in keeping oil and water mixed together.
The technology behind fatty alcohol ethoxylates has been around since the mid-20th century, gaining popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as safer, milder alternatives to older surfactants. C12-14 Alketh-11 found its way into personal care soon after because it could stabilise emulsions without leaving a heavy or greasy feel.
Manufacturing starts with purified synthetic C12-14 fatty alcohols. These are reacted under controlled heat and pressure with ethylene oxide gas in the presence of a catalyst. The process is carefully monitored to make sure the average of 11 ethylene oxide units is achieved. The final material is then purified and quality-checked before heading to cosmetic formulators.
You will most often see C12-14 Alketh-11 in creams, lotions, masks, sunscreens, leave-on conditioners, cleansers and lightweight serums where a smooth, uniform texture is important.
C12-14 Alketh-11’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on this ingredient for one main job in their recipes.
Emulsion stabilising: C12-14 Alketh-11 sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets and keeps them from separating over time. This stabilising action gives products a consistent appearance, improves spreadability, helps actives stay evenly dispersed on the skin or hair and extends shelf life even when the product faces temperature swings.
Who Can Use C12-14 Alketh-11
This ingredient is generally considered suitable for all skin types including dry, oily and combination because it has little to no direct impact on oil production or hydration levels. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well thanks to its mild nature, though anyone with a known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol derivatives should proceed with caution.
C12-14 Alketh-11 is made from synthetic fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide, none of which come from animal sources so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
Current safety data show no special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare or personal care product past a qualified doctor just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with common actives like retinoids and vitamin C because it is used at low levels and is chemically stable.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-14 Alketh-11 vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely to be the typical user experience when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, more common on compromised or broken skin
- Contact dermatitis in people already sensitised to ethoxylated fatty alcohols or polyethylene glycols
- Transient stinging if applied to freshly shaved or abraded areas
- Eye irritation like watering or slight burning if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C12-14 Alketh-11 contains medium-chain fatty alcohols, yet the extensive ethoxylation makes the molecule highly water-soluble and less likely to clog pores. It is usually added at low concentrations (often below 3 percent) and is thoroughly rinsed or left on in very thin films, keeping buildup minimal. Because of this the risk of blocked pores is considered low.
Suitable for acne-prone skin in most cases, though individual responses can vary.
Since the ingredient appears alongside many other oils and actives, the overall formula still determines whether a product will feel heavy or pore-clogging.
Summary
C12-14 Alketh-11 acts mainly as an emulsion stabiliser, sitting at the interface of oil and water to keep mixtures smooth, uniform and shelf-stable. Its dual nature—oil-friendly fatty chains plus water-loving ethylene oxide units—lets it hold dispersed droplets in place so creams spread evenly and active ingredients stay consistent from the first pump to the last.
While not a headline ingredient, it is a quiet workhorse found in a fair share of mainstream lotions, sunscreens, masks and light conditioners because formulators value its reliability and mildness.
Safety reviews show a low irritation profile and negligible comedogenicity at typical use levels, making it suitable for most skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin. As with any new cosmetic, do a quick patch test when trying a product containing C12-14 Alketh-11 to confirm personal compatibility.