What Is C14-15 Alketh-7?
C14-15 Alketh-7 is a man-made ingredient created by reacting synthetic fatty alcohols that have 14 to 15 carbon atoms with about seven units of ethylene oxide. The result is a clear to slightly hazy liquid that mixes easily with both oil and water. First developed in the mid-20th century as part of the push for gentler, more stable cleansers, it soon found a place in personal care labs as a reliable helper for blending otherwise stubborn ingredients.
Production starts with petrochemical or plant-derived feedstocks that are turned into C14-15 fatty alcohols. These alcohols go through a controlled reaction with ethylene oxide. By stopping the reaction at an average of seven units scientists get a balanced molecule that is neither too water-loving nor too oil-loving. Quality checks then confirm purity, color and odor before the material is shipped to cosmetic manufacturers.
You will most often spot C14-15 Alketh-7 in lotions, cream cleansers, makeup removers, hair conditioners, sunscreens and sheet mask essences. It is favored in both rinse-off and leave-on goods thanks to its mildness and its knack for keeping formulas smooth and uniform.
C14-15 Alketh-7’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on C14-15 Alketh-7 mainly for one key job and that job brings several perks to a finished product.
As an emulsifying agent C14-15 Alketh-7 lets water and oil team up instead of separating into layers. This means creams stay silky, lotions pour evenly and sprays deliver a consistent mist. A stable emulsion also helps active ingredients spread more evenly across the skin or hair which can improve the feel and performance of the product.
Who Can Use C14-15 Alketh-7
C14-15 Alketh-7 is considered suitable for most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and even many sensitive skins thanks to its generally mild profile and low tendency to clog pores. Extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin may still prefer to avoid it if past experiences with polyethylene glycols or fatty alcohols have triggered irritation.
The ingredient is synthetic and not sourced from animals, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences. Manufacturers typically confirm that no animal-derived processing aids are used, yet shoppers who follow a strict lifestyle should verify this with the individual brand.
No research suggests that topical use of C14-15 Alketh-7 poses specific risks during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This information is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing individuals should ask a healthcare professional before starting any new skincare product, just to be safe.
C14-15 Alketh-7 is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most other cosmetic ingredients, which is why formulators use it in everything from cleansers to sunscreens.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C14-15 Alketh-7 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that are possible but not expected for the average user when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished formula.
- Mild skin irritation
- Transient redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals already allergic to polyethylene glycol compounds
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Increased penetration of other actives that could lead to secondary irritation
Should any discomfort persist or worsen stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. C14-15 Alketh-7 is a lightweight PEG ether that does not create a heavy film on skin. It rinses off easily in wash-off formulas and is used at low levels in leave-on products, so it rarely traps oil or debris inside pores.
People who are prone to acne can generally use products containing C14-15 Alketh-7 without noticing extra breakouts.
The ingredient can enhance the spread of a formula, which might indirectly increase exposure to other pore-clogging compounds if they are present. The overall breakout risk therefore depends more on the full recipe than on C14-15 Alketh-7 itself.
Summary
C14-15 Alketh-7 acts mainly as an emulsifier that keeps water and oil mixed, giving creams and lotions a smooth, uniform feel while helping active ingredients distribute evenly across skin or hair.
Though not a buzzworthy star, it appears in a wide range of everyday products because formulators appreciate its reliability, mildness and versatility.
Available research shows a low likelihood of irritation or toxicity at the small amounts used in cosmetics. Still, skin can vary person to person, so it is smart to perform a quick patch test whenever you try a new product that includes C14-15 Alketh-7.