What Is C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid?
C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid is a synthetic surfactant created from fatty alcohols that contain between 12 and 15 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols can come from plant oils like coconut or from petroleum sources. Chemists add about seven units of ethylene oxide to the alcohols, then turn the end of the chain into a mild organic acid. This process gives the material both water-loving and oil-loving parts, so it can mix oil and water with ease.
The ingredient showed up in cosmetic labs in the late 1970s when formulators started looking for gentler options than traditional soaps. Over time it gained ground in everyday products because it offers good cleansing power without a strong stripping feel.
You will most often see C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid in face washes, micellar waters, body washes, shampoos, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs and clay or sheet masks that promise an easy rinse-off. It may also appear in some lightweight moisturizers aimed at oily or acne-prone skin, helping those formulas rinse away cleanly while leaving a soft finish.
C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main purpose in personal care formulas, and that single role brings several practical benefits for both the product and the user.
Cleansing: As a mild surfactant it lifts dirt, excess oil and makeup from the skin or hair and allows them to be rinsed away with water. Its balanced structure helps create a gentle foam that feels soft rather than squeaky, so products that include it can clean effectively while keeping the skin’s natural barrier more comfortable than harsher soaps.
Who Can Use C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid
This surfactant suits most skin and hair types, including normal, oily and combination skin, because it removes grime without leaving a harsh squeaky feel. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well thanks to its mild character, though anyone with an already damaged or very dry barrier could find frequent use a bit drying if the formula does not contain enough replenishing ingredients.
The fatty alcohols used to make the ingredient can come from either plant oils or petroleum. If a formula relies on coconut-derived alcohols the finished material is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If you follow a strict lifestyle check with the brand or look for a certification logo to confirm the source.
No evidence links C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid to hormonal activity or developmental concerns, so products containing it are generally viewed as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still show the full ingredient list of any product to a healthcare provider before use.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and will not interfere with sunscreens or other actives commonly used in daytime routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid vary from person to person. The points below describe potential side effects, yet most people will not experience them when the ingredient appears in a properly formulated product.
- Mild dryness – extended contact or high concentrations may remove a touch too much oil from very dry or compromised skin
- Temporary stinging – rare and usually limited to skin that is already irritated or freshly exfoliated
- Contact irritation – uncommon redness or itching that typically stops once the product is rinsed off and use is discontinued
- Allergic contact dermatitis – extremely rare but possible if someone develops an allergy to the molecule or to trace impurities left from manufacturing
If you experience any of the reactions listed above stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid is water soluble and does not form a greasy film on the skin, so it has a very low tendency to clog pores. Its molecular structure is designed to rinse off fully, carrying oils and debris away rather than lingering in follicles.
Because of this low score it is generally considered suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
Formulas that pair it with heavier emollients or oils could still feel occlusive, so the overall product composition, not this ingredient alone, determines whether a cleanser or mask might trigger congestion in very reactive skin.
Summary
C12-15 Alketh-7 Carboxylic Acid is a mild cleansing agent that lifts dirt, makeup and excess sebum then rinses them away without leaving a tight stripped feel. Its balanced oil-loving and water-loving parts allow it to dissolve grime and mix it with water for easy removal.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a star trend, yet it shows up in many face and body washes, micellar waters and rinse-off masks because formulators value its gentle performance.
Current safety data, including independent cosmetic panel reviews, classify it as low risk for irritation or systemic effects at the levels used in personal care products. Still, skin can react unpredictably so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this or any other surfactant.