What Is C14-15 Pareth-7?
C14-15 Pareth-7 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting medium-chain fatty alcohols that contain 14 to 15 carbon atoms with roughly seven units of ethylene oxide. The fatty alcohols can come from either plant oils such as coconut or from petroleum sources. This ethoxylation step gives the ingredient its ability to mix oil and water and to lift away grime.
Nonionic surfactants like this one first appeared in the mid-20th century when formulators were looking for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Because C14-15 Pareth-7 is gentle yet effective it quickly became a staple in personal care products.
The production process starts with purified C14-C15 fatty alcohols. These alcohols are fed into a reactor where ethylene oxide gas is added under heat and pressure. The number of ethylene oxide units can be controlled; in this case the average is seven. After neutralization and purification the finished material is a clear to slightly hazy liquid that dissolves easily in water and oils.
You will most often see C14-15 Pareth-7 in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, liquid hand soaps, lotions and light creams. Its ability to clean without stripping and to stabilize oil-in-water mixtures makes it versatile across a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on formulas.
C14-15 Pareth-7’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings two main perks to a formula
- Cleansing: As a surfactant it lowers the surface tension of water so dirt, oil and product buildup can be lifted away and rinsed off with ease. It creates a mild, low-irritation foam that leaves skin or hair feeling fresh but not tight.
- Emulsifying: It helps keep oil and water components blended in a stable, uniform mixture. This prevents separation in lotions, creams and cleansing oils which means a smoother texture and longer shelf life.
Who Can Use C14-15 Pareth-7
C14-15 Pareth-7 is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Because it is a mild nonionic surfactant it cleans without the tight or squeaky feel that harsher detergents can leave behind. People with very reactive or eczema-prone skin should still watch how their skin responds since any surfactant can be drying if used in high amounts or left on too long.
The ingredient itself is synthetic and usually made from plant-derived or petroleum-derived fatty alcohols, not animal sources. That means it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product is cruelty free and the brand confirms plant or petro origin.
No data point to special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics at the low levels typical to these products. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the ingredient list of a new product to their physician or midwife before adding it to a routine.
C14-15 Pareth-7 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered photosensitising. Standard daily sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of C14-15 Pareth-7 differ from person to person. The points below list potential reactions, but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used at proper cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or stinging especially on very sensitive or broken skin
- Eye irritation if the product gets into the eyes during cleansing
- Dryness or tightness when used in high-foaming formulas or with very frequent washing
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity to ethoxylated surfactants
- Allergic reaction such as itching or small hives, highly uncommon but possible
If a negative reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. C14-15 Pareth-7 is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and does not leave an occlusive film on skin, so it has virtually no potential to clog pores. The molecule is designed to help remove oils rather than sit on the surface, which is why formulators reach for it in cleansers and lightweight emulsions.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because it is nonionic and typically used at low levels, it also plays well with other ingredients that target blemishes without interfering with their absorption.
Summary
C14-15 Pareth-7 is a mild nonionic surfactant that cleanses by lowering water’s surface tension so oil and grime can be lifted away, and it emulsifies by keeping oil and water mixed for a smooth stable product. These two roles make it a workhorse in shampoos, washes, lotions and micellar waters.
While not a headline-grabbing ingredient, it is quietly popular with formulators who need gentle cleansing power and reliable emulsion stability without adding heaviness or irritation.
Safety data show it is low risk for irritation or sensitisation at the percentages used in cosmetics. Still, whenever you try a new product containing C14-15 Pareth-7 or any other surfactant, patch test on a small area first to be on the safe side.