What Is C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30?
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching about 30 units of ethylene oxide to a blend of secondary fatty alcohols that have 12 to 14 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols are usually derived from petroleum or vegetable oils that have been refined and processed to reach a consistent quality. The pairing of the alcohol backbone with ethylene oxide gives the molecule both water-loving and oil-loving parts, which is why it fits well in many personal care formulas.
The use of fatty alcohol ethoxylates in cosmetics began in the mid-20th century when chemists looked for milder and more versatile surfactants than the strong soaps of the time. As research moved forward, versions with different chain lengths and ethylene oxide counts were made to target specific needs. C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 grew in popularity because its 30 units of ethylene oxide give it reliable thickening and stabilising power without making products feel heavy or greasy.
To make the ingredient, producers first obtain secondary fatty alcohols through controlled oxidation and reduction reactions. These alcohols are then reacted with ethylene oxide gas in a closed system. By controlling temperature, pressure and reaction time, manufacturers can assure that roughly 30 ethylene oxide units attach to each alcohol molecule. After purification the finished ingredient is a cloudy to clear liquid or waxy solid, depending on room temperature.
You will most often spot C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 in rinse-off cleansers, facial masks, moisturising creams, hair conditioners, bath products and some leave-on serums that need a smooth, stable texture. It is rarely the star of the show but it quietly helps the rest of the formula work and feel better.
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In products you apply to skin or hair C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 steps in as a multitasker that supports texture, cleansing action and overall stability.
- Emulsion stabilising: Keeps water and oil phases from separating so creams, lotions and masks stay uniform from the first scoop to the last drop. This ensures each use delivers the same level of active ingredients and a pleasant feel.
- Cleansing: Acts as a gentle surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without overly stripping skin or hair, helping rinse-off products clean effectively while staying mild.
- Emulsifying: Helps blend water-based and oil-based ingredients in the first place, allowing formulators to combine nourishing oils with hydrating water phases for balanced products that spread easily and absorb well.
Who Can Use C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 is generally considered suitable for all skin types. Its balanced cleansing and emulsifying power makes it light enough for oily or combination skin yet gentle enough not to dehydrate dry or mature skin. Most people with sensitive skin also tolerate it well because it is nonionic and tends to have a lower irritation profile than many charged surfactants. Those with a known allergy to polyethylene glycol derivatives or fatty alcohol ethoxylates should avoid it, as should anyone whose dermatologist has advised against similar ingredients.
The ingredient is synthetic and can be sourced from petroleum or plant feedstocks but never from animals, so it is typically acceptable to vegans and vegetarians. Certification will still depend on the finished brand’s overall policy on animal testing and traceability.
No data suggest that topical use of C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used at the low concentrations found in cosmetic products. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified healthcare provider before adding it to a routine.
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is odorless and free of essential oils, which reduces the chance of scent-related irritation. As always, the overall formula and individual sensitivities play a bigger role in tolerance than this single ingredient.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects that could occur though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in very sensitive individuals
- Temporary eye stinging or watering if the cleanser or cream accidentally gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in people allergic to fatty alcohol ethoxylates or trace impurities left from manufacturing
- Exacerbation of existing eczema or highly compromised skin when used at higher than recommended levels
If you notice any of these reactions discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 is a large, water-soluble surfactant that does not form an oily film on skin. Because it rinses away easily and is usually used at low levels, it has little chance of blocking pores. Minor traces of fatty alcohols left from manufacturing could theoretically raise the rating from 0 to 1, but in finished products the level is still very low.
Given this profile, the ingredient is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
No special storage or formulation quirks are known to raise its comedogenicity, so the rating remains stable across most products that use it.
Summary
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30 works as an emulsifier, cleanser and emulsion stabiliser. Its dual water-loving and oil-loving structure glues water and oil together, lifts dirt from skin and keeps creams from separating so the texture stays smooth.
The ingredient is a quiet performer rather than a headline act. It shows up in many cleansers, lotions and masks but rarely gets top billing because it is there mainly to make everything else run smoothly.
Safety data show it is low-irritation and virtually non-comedogenic when used in the small amounts common to cosmetics, though anyone can be sensitive to any ingredient. As with any new product, patch testing on a small area first is a smart way to confirm personal tolerance.