What Is C14-15 Pareth-11?
C14-15 Pareth-11 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching about eleven ethylene oxide units to fatty alcohols that contain 14 to 15 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols are usually sourced from coconut or synthetic petrochemical feedstocks, then put through a process called ethoxylation where ethylene oxide gas reacts with the alcohol under heat and pressure. The result is a clear to slightly cloudy liquid that mixes easily with water and oil.
Ethoxylated fatty alcohols like C14-15 Pareth-11 have been used since the mid-20th century, when the cosmetics industry began looking for gentler surfactants to replace traditional soaps. Their good skin tolerance and versatility quickly made them staples in personal care formulas.
You will most often spot C14-15 Pareth-11 in rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos and makeup removers, but it also shows up in leave-on items like lotions, serums and sheet masks where it helps keep oil and water evenly blended.
C14-15 Pareth-11’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a formula C14-15 Pareth-11 plays two main roles that directly affect how a product feels and performs on the skin.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and makeup loosen and rinse away more easily. This gives cleansers a satisfying lather while remaining mild enough for daily use
- Emulsifying: It helps bind water and oil into a stable mixture, preventing separation over time. This keeps lotions, creams and serums smooth with a consistent texture from the first pump to the last
Who Can Use C14-15 Pareth-11
This mild surfactant suits most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and sensitive skin, because it cleans without stripping away the skin’s natural lipids. Very dry or eczema-prone skin may need a richer formula alongside it since the ingredient itself does not add moisture.
C14-15 Pareth-11 is typically sourced from coconut fatty alcohols or produced synthetically, so it contains no animal-derived material and is generally acceptable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the brand’s overall cruelty-free stance if that is important to you.
Current safety assessments rate this ingredient as low risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all skincare choices past a health professional just to be on the safe side.
C14-15 Pareth-11 does not make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no added need for extra sun protection beyond your usual SPF habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C14-15 Pareth-11 differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, which are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly by the product formulator.
- Mild skin irritation – a feeling of tightness or slight redness, more likely if the product is left on the skin for long periods rather than rinsed off
- Eye irritation – temporary stinging if a cleanser containing it gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis – very rare allergic response presenting as itching or rash, typically in individuals with a known sensitivity to ethoxylated surfactants
If you notice any of the above reactions, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
C14-15 Pareth-11 is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses cleanly and does not leave an oily film on the skin. Its molecular structure is too large and too hydrophilic to settle into pores, so the chance of it trapping sebum and forming blockages is very low. Because it sits in formulas at modest percentages and is usually washed off, it earns a rating of 1 rather than 0.
This low score means it is generally fine for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
One extra point worth noting is that comedogenicity can rise if the ingredient is paired with heavy occlusive oils, so always consider the whole formula when judging pore-clogging potential.
Summary
C14-15 Pareth-11 is mainly valued for two tasks: lifting away dirt and oil through its gentle cleansing action and keeping water and oil blended by acting as an emulsifier. It does both by surrounding oily particles with its hydrophilic and lipophilic ends, allowing them to stay mixed or be rinsed off easily.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a trending star. It may not get social media buzz, yet formulators rely on it for its mildness and versatility in everyday cleansers, shampoos and lightweight lotions.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation or sensitisation when used at normal cosmetic levels, and its low comedogenic rating means most skin types can use it comfortably. As with any new product, patch test first to make sure it suits your individual skin needs.