What Is C20-22 Pareth-30?
C20-22 Pareth-30 is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching around 30 units of ethylene oxide to long chain fatty alcohols that contain 20 to 22 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols are typically derived from plant oils such as rapeseed or coconut, though petroleum sources can also be used. The ethoxylation step turns the otherwise oily alcohols into a waxy, water compatible substance that acts like a gentle soap and a glue between oil and water.
The practice of ethoxylating fatty alcohols began in the mid 20th century, when chemists searched for milder alternatives to traditional soap. Over time the cosmetics industry adopted different “pareth” grades with varying chain lengths and ethylene oxide counts to fine tune cleansing strength, thickness and skin feel. C20-22 Pareth-30 sits toward the higher end of both chain length and ethoxylation, giving it strong emulsifying power with a soft, creamy texture that many formulators like in modern skincare.
Production starts with purifying the C20-22 alcohols, then reacting them with ethylene oxide gas under heat and pressure. The finished material is filtered, tested for purity and supplied as a solid flakes or thick paste that melts easily into water or oils.
You will most often find C20-22 Pareth-30 in rinse off products such as facial cleansers, body washes and exfoliating scrubs. Its emulsifying ability also makes it useful in leave on items like moisturizers, masks and sunscreens where it helps keep formulas smooth and stable.
C20-22 Pareth-30’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose C20-22 Pareth-30 because it performs several helpful jobs in a single ingredient.
- Cleansing: Its soap like structure lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping skin, producing a creamy low foam lather that rinses clean.
- Emulsifying: It binds oil and water phases together, preventing separation and giving creams, lotions and sunscreens a uniform texture that feels pleasant on the skin.
Who Can Use C20-22 Pareth-30
C20-22 Pareth-30 is considered gentle enough for most skin types including dry, normal, combination, sensitive and oily skin. Because it cleans without harsh foam and helps lock water and oil together it tends to leave skin feeling soft rather than tight. People with very reactive or eczema-prone skin may want to watch for any surfactant at high levels since even mild cleansers can sting broken skin.
The fatty alcohols used to make C20-22 Pareth-30 usually come from plant oils and the ethoxylation process is synthetic, so the finished ingredient contains no animal-derived material. This makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians unless the finished product includes other animal ingredients.
Current data shows no link between topical C20-22 Pareth-30 and harm during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Its large size keeps it on the surface of the skin rather than passing into the bloodstream. Still, this is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before starting a new skincare product.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more likely to burn in sunlight. It also plays well with most other common cosmetic ingredients, giving formulators flexibility to pair it with actives, fragrances or colorants.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C20-22 Pareth-30 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at normal levels in a well-made product.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or itching
- Dryness or tightness if used in a formula with very high cleansing strength
- Stinging on open cuts or cracked skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people sensitive to ethoxylated surfactants
If you experience any discomfort or visible reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
C20-22 Pareth-30 has a very low likelihood of clogging pores because it is a large, highly water-soluble surfactant that is usually rinsed off the skin. Even when used in leave-on creams its bulky structure limits its ability to settle inside follicles and form plugs. The ingredient also lacks heavy oils or waxes that commonly cause breakouts, so it earns a near non-comedogenic score.
Overall it is considered safe for people prone to acne or breakouts, though individual responses can always vary.
Formulas that pair this ingredient with heavy occlusives or high levels of silicones could still feel greasy on very oily skin, but those issues are due to the full formula rather than C20-22 Pareth-30 itself.
Summary
C20-22 Pareth-30 is a multitasking surfactant that cleanses by lifting away oil, dirt and makeup while its emulsifying nature keeps water and oil phases blended into a smooth, stable product. This dual action helps create creamy face washes, body cleansers and even silky moisturizers without harsh foaming agents.
It is not one of the most famous cosmetic ingredients but formulators value it for its gentle feel and reliable performance, especially in products aimed at sensitive or dry skin.
Current research and decades of safe use show that C20-22 Pareth-30 poses minimal risk when applied topically. As with any skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a new product first to confirm personal compatibility.