What Is C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7?
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 is a lab made ingredient created by attaching an average of seven units of ethylene oxide to a group of synthetic secondary fatty alcohols that are 12 to 14 carbon atoms long. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that mixes well with both oil and water, making it handy in modern skin and hair care.
The use of alcohol ethoxylates in cosmetics dates back to the mid 20th century when formulators looked for reliable alternatives to natural soaps that could work in a broader pH range. Over time, secondary alcohol ethoxylates like C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 gained popularity because they could produce stable, gentle formulas with little odor and good rinse off.
Manufacturing starts with petroleum or plant based feedstocks that are converted into secondary fatty alcohols. These alcohols are then reacted with ethylene oxide gas under controlled heat and pressure. Adjusting the amount of ethylene oxide allows chemists to fine tune the final ingredient’s solubility and performance, in this case landing on seven moles on average.
You are most likely to spot C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 in creamy cleansers, facial masks, moisturizing lotions, light weight serums, deodorants and even rinse off hair conditioners. Anywhere a brand wants a smooth, stable blend of oil and water, this ingredient is a candidate.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its value in a formula comes from how well it handles the tricky job of keeping oils and water based ingredients happily mixed.
- Emulsion stabilising – Helps prevent creams and lotions from separating while they sit on the shelf or during use which keeps texture consistent and extends product life
- Emulsifying – Acts as the bridge that allows oil and water to form a smooth emulsion making application easier and improving how evenly active ingredients spread on skin or hair
Who Can Use C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7
Thanks to its mild nature and balanced oil-and-water friendliness, C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 fits most skin types including normal, oily, combination and dry. People with very sensitive or compromised skin should watch out for possible dryness because any surfactant-style ingredient can pull away a bit of natural oil.
The material is fully synthetic and contains no animal by-products so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Check the finished product label though, as other ingredients in the formula might not meet the same standard.
Current safety data show no special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skin or hair care routine past a qualified healthcare professional just to be sure.
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 is not known to trigger photosensitivity so daylight exposure does not become a bigger issue when using products that contain it. It also plays well with most other common cosmetic actives, meaning formulators can pair it without worry of unwanted chemical reactions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Every person’s skin is unique so reactions to C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 can vary. The points below outline potential issues, yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at proper levels in a well-made product.
- Mild skin irritation or redness, more likely on very sensitive skin
- Temporary dryness or tightness if used in a high-foaming cleanser
- Slight stinging or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or small bumps
- Increased penetration of other actives through damaged or freshly exfoliated skin which could amplify those actives’ own side effects
If any discomfort or visible reaction develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 is highly water soluble and typically used at low concentrations, so it rinses away easily and does not linger in pores to mix with sebum. Its molecular structure is larger and more hydrophilic than the fatty acids that often clog pores, which keeps its comedogenic potential low.
Because of this, the ingredient is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Formulas that pair it with heavy oils or waxes could still feel greasy and occlusive, so the overall product composition matters more than the presence of this single emulsifier.
Summary
C12-14 Sec-Alketh-7 acts mainly as an emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser, letting oil and water form a smooth, uniform blend that stays mixed on the shelf and glides evenly over skin or hair. It does this by surrounding tiny oil droplets with a water-friendly shell created by its ethoxylated chain, preventing the droplets from merging back together.
While not a headline ingredient, it shows up quietly in a wide range of lotions, cleansers, masks and conditioners because it is dependable, mild and cost effective.
Current safety reviews consider it low risk when used at the levels seen in cosmetics, with only occasional mild irritation reported. As with any new product it is smart to perform a small patch test first to rule out personal sensitivity.