What Is C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50?
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 is a lab made ingredient created by attaching roughly 50 units of ethylene oxide to a blend of synthetic secondary alcohols derived from mid length (12 to 14 carbon) fatty chains. The result is a waxy, water loving material that acts like a bridge between oil and water. It first appeared in the 1970s when chemists were looking for gentler, more efficient emulsifiers for personal care. The switch from the older name C12-14 Sec-Pareth-50 to C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 simply lines up with updated naming rules but the chemistry stayed the same.
Manufacturing starts with petroleum or plant based feedstocks that are turned into secondary fatty alcohols. These alcohols are reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting to build the long polyethylene glycol chain. The length of that chain—about 50 units—gives the ingredient its high water solubility and smooth feel.
You will most often see C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 in lotions, creams, hair conditioners, cleansing balms, sheet mask essences and high water serums where keeping oil and water evenly mixed is key. It can also show up in sunscreens, makeup removers and anti aging treatments to improve spreadability and stability.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a formula this ingredient pulls more than one duty, helping both the product and your experience with it.
- Emulsion stabilising – Keeps oil and water layers from separating over time so the product stays uniform from the first pump to the last
- Emulsifying – Allows oils, butters and active ingredients to mix smoothly into water for a creamier texture that sinks in evenly
- Solubilizing – Helps dissolve small amounts of fragrance, essential oils or active compounds into mostly water based formulas preventing floating droplets and improving clarity
Who Can Use C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50
This ingredient is generally considered friendly for all skin types, including oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin. Its main job is to help oil and water stay mixed, so it rarely causes congestion or heaviness that might worry acne-prone users. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin should still scan full ingredient lists, as irritation usually comes from other components in the formula rather than C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 itself.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 is produced from synthetic fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide, neither of which come from animals. Most suppliers also avoid animal-derived processing agents, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If animal-free sourcing is critical, look for brands that certify their supply chain.
The ingredient carries a low safety concern rating, so it is often considered acceptable for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used at the concentrations found in finished cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review products with their healthcare provider.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Sunscreen is still essential, but for the usual reasons rather than because of this emulsifier.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that are possible but uncommon in well-formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation – A brief stinging or redness can occur, especially on compromised or very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis – Rare allergic responses may lead to itching, rash or swelling
- Eye irritation – If a product accidentally gets into the eyes it can cause watering and discomfort until rinsed
- Dryness or tightness – At higher levels the ingredient can occasionally draw some natural oils away from the skin surface
- Enhanced penetration of actives – By helping dissolve other ingredients it can inadvertently boost the strength of potent actives leading to irritation if those actives are not well balanced
If you notice any persistent redness, burning or itching while using a product that contains this ingredient stop use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 is highly water soluble and rinses away without leaving a heavy film, which means it has little chance of blocking pores. Its job is to sit at the oil-water interface rather than coat the skin surface, so buildup is minimal. A score of 1 reflects this low likelihood of clogging while still allowing for the slim chance that people with extremely reactive or oily skin may notice congestion if the overall formula is very rich.
In short, most people who are prone to acne or breakouts should find this ingredient acceptable.
Because it can improve the spread of other ingredients, any pore-clogging oils in the same product may disperse more evenly. If breakouts do occur, they are more likely linked to those companion oils than to C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 itself.
Summary
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50 works as an emulsifier, emulsion stabiliser and solubiliser. Its fatty alcohol portion loves oil while its long polyethylene glycol chain loves water, so it positions itself between the two and lowers surface tension, letting creams stay smooth, serums stay clear and actives stay evenly distributed.
Although it is not a headline ingredient you will see on the front of the bottle, formulators reach for it often because it is reliable, easy to work with and gives a light skin feel. It quietly powers a wide range of lotions, conditioners and cleansers on store shelves.
Safety studies and decades of use show a low risk of irritation or toxicity at the levels used in cosmetics. Still, every skin is unique, so when you pick up a new product that lists C12-14 Sec-Alketh-50, run a small patch test first to be sure it agrees with you.