What Is C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5?
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 is a man-made ingredient created by reacting synthetic alcohols that have 12 to 14 carbon atoms with ethylene oxide, adding an average of five “ethoxy” units to each alcohol molecule. This process, called ethoxylation, turns oily alcohols into a water-loving liquid or paste that blends smoothly in formulas. First introduced in the late twentieth century, it gained popularity when chemists looked for safer alternatives to natural soaps that could work in a wider pH range. Today it is produced in large batches in closed reactors, then purified to remove unreacted materials.
You will most often see C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 in rinse-off cleansers, facial masks, lightweight lotions, hair conditioners, make-up removers and even some self-tanning sprays. Any product that needs oil and water to stay perfectly mixed or that must resist too much foam can benefit from this versatile helper.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves several behind-the-scenes roles that improve how a product looks, feels and performs:
- Emulsifying: Helps oil and water mix so creams, lotions and milks stay smooth and do not separate on the shelf or on your skin
- Emulsion stabilising: Keeps that mixture stable over time, cutting down on the need for shaking and extending product life
- Antifoaming: Controls excess bubbles during manufacturing and in the finished product, giving a cleaner, silkier feel when you apply or rinse
Who Can Use C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 is generally considered suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and even dry skin because it is water soluble, non-occlusive and leaves little residue once rinsed. People with very sensitive or compromised skin can usually tolerate it too, but formulas with a high level of secondary surfactants could still feel drying or cause a brief tingle.
The ingredient is produced from synthetic alcohols and ethylene oxide so it contains no animal-derived material, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
No specific warnings exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding. The molecule is large, stays on the surface and is used in small amounts, so systemic absorption is unlikely. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 is not known to increase photosensitivity and it does not react with sunlight, so there are no special daytime restrictions beyond normal sunscreen use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 vary from person to person. The points below describe potential side effects, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or stinging in very sensitive individuals
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Contact dermatitis from an allergic response, considered rare
- Scalp dryness or tightness when used at higher levels in shampoos or hair masks
- Enhanced penetration of other actives which may amplify irritation caused by harsher ingredients in the same formula
If any discomfort, rash or ongoing irritation occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 is highly water soluble and used in very small percentages, so it rinses away without leaving an oily film that could clog pores. It does not contain fatty acids or waxy esters that typically trigger breakouts, earning it a low score of 1 rather than a perfect 0 because every surfactant can potentially disrupt skin balance if overused. Overall it is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because it helps other ingredients spread more evenly, it might slightly increase the penetration of heavier oils present in the same formula, yet this is rarely a problem at the low levels employed.
Summary
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 is a versatile helper that keeps oil and water blended, stops mixtures from separating and tames unwanted foam. It achieves these tasks thanks to its balanced structure: the ethoxylated part loves water while the alcohol backbone grabs onto oils, letting it sit at the oil-water boundary and stabilize the whole system.
It is a background player rather than a headline ingredient, showing up in many cleansers, lotions and hair products even if most shoppers have never heard its name. Chemists value it for being reliable, easy to incorporate and relatively inexpensive.
Current safety data label it as low risk for irritation or sensitization when used within normal cosmetic limits. Most people can use products containing C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5 without concern, yet it is always smart to patch test any new formula to confirm personal tolerance.