What Is C14-28 Alkyl Acid?
C14-28 Alkyl Acid is a blend of saturated fatty acids whose carbon chains range from 14 to 28 atoms in length. These fatty acids are usually sourced from plant oils such as coconut, palm or rapeseed, though animal fats can be used when plant supply is limited. Chemically, the ingredient is made up of long, straight chains of carbon and hydrogen with a carboxylic acid group at one end. The mixture’s broad chain length gives it a balance of melting points and textures that prove useful in cosmetic formulas.
The use of long-chain fatty acids in beauty products dates back to early soap making, but the specific C14-28 blend became popular in the late twentieth century when formulators sought richer yet lightweight alternatives to single fatty acids. Today manufacturers obtain the acid mix through hydrolysis and fractional distillation of natural fats and oils, followed by purification to remove impurities and odor. The result is a mild, wax-like substance that disperses easily in both hot and cold processing.
You will most often find C14-28 Alkyl Acid in hair care lines including shampoos, rinse-off conditioners, leave-in creams and masks. It can also appear in body butters, balms and some skin moisturizers where extra slip and cushion are desired.
C14-28 Alkyl Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one key role in formulations.
Hair conditioning: The long fatty acid chains form a soft, flexible film on hair fibers that smooths rough cuticles, boosts shine and reduces static. Because the blend includes both medium and longer chains, it melts at body temperature yet leaves enough residue to keep strands feeling supple without weighing them down.
Who Can Use C14-28 Alkyl Acid
This fatty acid blend suits most hair and skin types, particularly normal to dry strands or scalps that crave softness and slip. Those with very oily or acne-prone skin may find it a bit occlusive, so lightweight formulas or lower concentrations are preferable for them.
C14-28 Alkyl Acid is generally vegan and vegetarian friendly because manufacturers typically source it from coconut, palm or rapeseed oil. However some suppliers still process it from animal fats, so anyone avoiding animal-derived ingredients should look for vegan certification or request sourcing information from the brand.
The ingredient is not linked to hormonal activity and is considered low risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; expectant or nursing mothers should review any product containing C14-28 Alkyl Acid with their doctor to be certain it fits their individual needs.
C14-28 Alkyl Acid does not increase sun sensitivity, and it plays well with common hair care actives such as proteins, silicones and mild surfactants. It is also color-safe, meaning it will not strip or dull dyed hair.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical C14-28 Alkyl Acid differ from person to person. The points below outline potential, though uncommon, reactions; most users experience none of these when the ingredient is properly formulated and applied.
- Mild scalp or skin irritation
- Contact allergy resulting in redness, itching or small bumps
- Pore clogging or folliculitis on very oily or acne-prone skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally drips into the eyes
- Product build-up that leaves hair feeling heavy or limp when overused
If you experience any of the above effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5. C14-28 Alkyl Acid is a blend of long-chain fatty acids that can sit on the skin surface and form a light film. While this film is great for smoothing hair, it can trap oil and dead cells on faces that already run oily, which is why it does not score a perfect 0. The chains are longer than those in well-known pore-cloggers like lauric acid, so the risk is still low to moderate rather than high.
Most people, even those with occasional breakouts, can use it without trouble but very acne-prone skin might prefer to avoid leave-on products that list this ingredient high on the label.
Real-world comedogenicity also depends on the final formula. When blended with lightweight emulsifiers or rinsed off in shampoo, the pore-clogging risk drops further.
Summary
C14-28 Alkyl Acid is mainly a hair-conditioning agent. Its long fatty chains form a soft, flexible layer over each strand, helping smooth cuticles, cut static and add slip so hair feels silky yet not greasy.
The ingredient is gaining steady use in shampoos, rinse-off conditioners and richer masks, though it has not reached the household-name status of silicones or shea butter. Formulators like it because it melts easily, offers a pleasant feel and fits clean-beauty marketing when sourced from plants.
Safety studies and decades of use show a low rate of irritation or allergy. As with any new product, patch testing on a small area for a day or two is a smart idea so you can spot any personal sensitivity before full use.