What Is C14-15 Pareth-8?
C14-15 Pareth-8 is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching about eight units of ethylene oxide to a blend of fatty alcohols that have 14 to 15 carbon atoms. The fatty alcohols can come from natural plant oils or petroleum sources, and the ethoxylation step turns the oily alcohols into a water-friendly substance. This transformation creates a mild surfactant, which is a compound that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away.
The use of ethoxylated fatty alcohols in personal care grew in the mid-20th century when formulators were looking for gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. C14-15 Pareth-8 became popular because it offered reliable cleansing without the tight, squeaky feel that stronger surfactants can leave behind. The process to make it is well established: the alcohol blend is reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled temperature and pressure, then purified to remove any unreacted materials.
You will often find C14-15 Pareth-8 in facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, exfoliating scrubs and some makeup removers. It may also appear in shampoos and shower gels where a mild yet effective cleanser is needed.
C14-15 Pareth-8’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose C14-15 Pareth-8 mainly for its role as a cleansing agent, delivering several practical benefits to finished products.
Cleansing: As a surfactant, it lowers the surface tension of water, allowing oils, makeup and daily grime to loosen and lift away from skin and hair. It produces a light lather, spreads easily and rinses clean, helping products feel gentle while still leaving the skin fresh.
Who Can Use C14-15 Pareth-8C14-15 Pareth-8 is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and even sensitive skin because it cleans without stripping away too much of the skin’s natural oils. Very dry or highly reactive skin may still prefer creamier cleansers with added moisturizers, yet the ingredient itself is not known to aggravate dryness or redness.
The fatty alcohols used to make C14-15 Pareth-8 can come from plant oils or petroleum. No animal-derived substances are needed, so finished products are usually suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If you follow a strict plant-only lifestyle you may want to verify the source with the brand.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor to be on the safe side.
C14-15 Pareth-8 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it has no known interaction with common actives like vitamin C or retinoids. It can be used both morning and night without needing special timing.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C14-15 Pareth-8 vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects yet they remain uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, more likely in people with very sensitive skin
- Transient dryness if the formula lacks added moisturizers
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis, a rare response to any surfactant
If you notice itching, burning or any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. C14-15 Pareth-8 is a water-soluble surfactant that is quickly rinsed off the skin, leaving little to no residue that could clog pores. The ethoxylation step makes the original fatty alcohols more hydrophilic, further reducing any tendency to trap sebum or debris inside follicles. Because it is used at relatively low levels and in rinse-off products, it rarely contributes to blackheads or pimples.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin in most cases.
As with many surfactants, the overall comedogenicity of the finished product depends on the entire formula. Heavy oils or waxes paired with C14-15 Pareth-8 could still cause congestion even though the surfactant itself is low risk.
Summary
C14-15 Pareth-8 is primarily a mild cleansing agent that helps water lift away oils, makeup and daily grime. By lowering surface tension it allows dirt to mix with water then rinse clean without stripping the skin.
It sees steady but not superstar-level use in facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters and gentle shampoos where formulators want reliable foam with a soft afterfeel.
Current research and industry reviews class it as low risk for irritation or sensitization when used as directed. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product containing this ingredient before full-face or full-body use.