What Is C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine?
C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine is a mild surfactant made by joining beta alanine, a small amino acid, with fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm kernels and a hydroxyethyl group. The fatty part of the molecule carries 12 to 14 carbon atoms, giving the ingredient its ability to grab oils, while the beta alanine end mixes well with water. This balance lets it lift away dirt without stripping skin or hair.
Chemists began using amino acid–based surfactants like this one in the late 1980s when the beauty industry started looking for alternatives to harsher sulfates. Production involves first turning the plant-derived fatty alcohols into hydroxyalkyl chlorides, then reacting them with beta alanine, and finally adding a hydroxyethyl group. The result is a biodegradable liquid that blends easily into water-based formulas.
You will most often see C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine in foaming cleansers, shampoos, body washes, bubble baths, micellar waters, scalp scrubs, and some lightweight conditioners. Its gentle nature also makes it useful in kids’ bath products and facial cleansers for sensitive skin.
C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in both skin and hair care formulas, adding cleansing power while improving the overall feel of a product.
- Cleansing: Breaks up oil, sweat and product buildup so they rinse away easily leaving skin and hair fresh but not tight
- Hair Conditioning: Leaves a light film that smooths the cuticle helping hair feel softer and easier to comb
- Foam Boosting: Increases the amount and stability of lather giving shampoos and washes a richer cushiony foam that users associate with effective cleaning
Who Can Use C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine
This gentle surfactant suits nearly all skin types, including dry, normal, oily and sensitive skin, because it cleans without stripping away too much natural oil. Extremely compromised or broken skin may still feel a slight sting since any cleanser can irritate an open barrier.
The ingredient is made from plant-derived fatty alcohols and an amino acid so products containing it are generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the rest of the formula follows the same sourcing standards. Brands that are cruelty free often highlight this on the label.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of a product to their healthcare provider before use.
C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine does not increase sensitivity to sunlight so it is not considered photosensitizing. It also plays well with most other common cosmetic ingredients so there are no notable incompatibilities to watch for.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to the topical use of C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Transient eye irritation if shampoo or cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tight feeling when used in high concentrations or combined with other strong surfactants
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals specifically allergic to the ingredient though this is rare
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use immediately and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine is water soluble and rinses away easily, so it does not linger on the skin to clog pores. It lacks the heavy oils and waxes that typically raise comedogenicity scores, hence the low rating. This makes it generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts. Because it is often blended with other mild surfactants, the overall formula also tends to stay lightweight. No special concerns about pore blockage have been reported in the published literature.
Summary
C12-14 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alanine is a gentle surfactant that cleanses, conditions hair and boosts foam. It works by pairing a water loving beta alanine head with a 12-14 carbon fatty tail that grabs oils, allowing dirt to lift off skin or hair and rinse away without stripping natural moisture. A thin, smooth film left behind helps detangle strands while the molecule’s structure raises and stabilizes lather.
The ingredient shows up in many sulfate-free shampoos, face washes and body cleansers, though it is less of a headline name than coco betaine or sodium cocoyl isethionate. Formulators appreciate its mildness and plant-derived origin, so its presence has been growing in clean beauty offerings and kids products.
Safety data indicate a low risk of irritation or sensitization when used at normal cosmetic levels. It is biodegradable and vegan friendly. As with any new product, give a quick patch test first to ensure your skin plays well with the full formula.