What Is C14-15 Alketh-8?
C14-15 Alketh-8 is a man-made ingredient created by reacting a blend of synthetic fatty alcohols that have 14 to 15 carbon atoms with about eight units of ethylene oxide. This reaction links the fatty part of the molecule to water-loving segments, giving the final material both oil-friendly and water-friendly ends. Scientists first explored this class of compounds in the mid 20th century while searching for gentle yet effective cleansers for personal care. Over time the beauty industry adopted C14-15 Alketh-8 for its mildness and reliable performance, eventually updating its name from C14-15 Pareth-8 to align with newer naming rules.
Production starts with petrochemical or plant-based sources that yield the C14-15 alcohols. These alcohols are purified then sent through an ethoxylation process where ethylene oxide gas is added in a controlled setting. The number of ethylene oxide units is carefully timed to reach an average of eight, producing the balance needed for good solubility and low irritation.
You will usually spot C14-15 Alketh-8 in rinse-off items like facial cleansers, body washes and shampoo. It also shows up in micellar waters, makeup removers and some light lotions where it helps oils and water mix smoothly. In sheet masks and leave-on serums, it can help scatter fragrance or active ingredients evenly so every drop feels the same.
C14-15 Alketh-8’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators turn to C14-15 Alketh-8 because it plays two helpful roles in one ingredient
- Cleansing: Thanks to its dual nature, the molecule grabs onto oil-based dirt with its fatty side while its water-loving side lets the grime rinse away. This leads to gentle yet thorough cleansing without leaving the skin tight
- Solubilizing: It can dissolve small amounts of oils, fragrances or active ingredients into mostly water-based products. This keeps a formula clear and stable so the product looks good on the shelf and performs the same from the first use to the last
Who Can Use C14-15 Alketh-8
C14-15 Alketh-8 is generally friendly to all skin types. Its mild cleansing action works well for normal, combination or oily skin, while most dry or sensitive complexions also tolerate it because it is less stripping than harsher surfactants. People with very dry, eczema-prone or compromised skin should still keep an eye on how their skin feels, as any cleanser can remove too much natural oil if overused.
The ingredient is produced from synthetic or plant feedstocks without animal-derived substances, so products that rely on it are typically suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Check the full ingredient list of the finished product to be sure no other animal ingredients have been added.
C14-15 Alketh-8 has no known issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It stays on the skin briefly in rinse-off products and is regarded as low risk. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the complete product label to their healthcare provider before use to stay on the safe side.
The molecule does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance-free by nature and is compatible with most other cosmetic ingredients, which helps keep formulas simple and gentle.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C14-15 Alketh-8 vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at the levels normally found in cosmetics.
- Mild skin irritation – temporary redness, dryness or tightness can occur, most often in people with very sensitive or over-cleansed skin
- Eye stinging – contact with the eyes may cause watering or discomfort until rinsed out
- Allergic contact dermatitis – a rare immune response that shows up as itching, swelling or rash
- Scalp dryness or flaking – occasional in shampoos that contain higher surfactant loads
- Enhanced penetration of other ingredients – by helping dissolve oils it may let stronger actives move deeper, which could amplify irritation caused by those actives
If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
1 / 5
C14-15 Alketh-8 is highly water soluble and designed to rinse away cleanly, so it rarely leaves an oily residue that could block pores. Its fatty portion is short compared with heavier plant oils and waxes known to be comedogenic, while the eight ethylene oxide units keep the molecule dispersed in water. For these reasons it earns a low rating of 1.
This makes it suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts. If breakouts occur they are usually linked to other ingredients in the same formula rather than C14-15 Alketh-8 itself.
Worth noting: because it can help other substances mix into water, it may increase the skin penetration of oils or actives that are comedogenic on their own, so overall formula composition still matters.
Summary
C14-15 Alketh-8 works mainly as a cleanser and solubilizer. Its split personality—one end attracted to oils the other to water—lets it lift away sebum and dirt then carry them off when you rinse. The same amphiphilic structure helps dissolve small doses of oils, fragrances or active ingredients into water heavy products, keeping them clear and uniform.
While not as famous as sulfate surfactants or trendy plant extracts, this ingredient quietly appears in a fair share of face washes, micellar waters and shampoos thanks to its mildness and reliability.
Safety profiles from industry and independent panels rate it low risk at the amounts used in cosmetics, especially since it is most often in rinse off formulas. Still, skin can react differently to any new product, so performing a quick patch test is a smart extra step before full use.