What Is Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate?
Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate is a lab-made fatty ester that starts with medium-chain alcohols harvested from renewable plant oils such as coconut or palm. These C12-C15 alcohols are first reacted with ethylene oxide to add nine ethoxy units, turning them into a gentle, water-loving form. The new molecule is then oxidized to create a carboxylic acid and finally joined with cetyl alcohol to make the finished ester. The result is a waxy, off-white ingredient that blends oil-friendly and water-friendly parts in one structure.
Chemists introduced this material in the late 1980s when brands wanted milder, more versatile texture enhancers for skin care and hair care. Because it is stable over a wide pH range and feels silky rather than greasy, formulators quickly adopted it in everyday products.
You will now find Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate in face and body lotions, moisturizers, sunscreens, foundations, makeup removers, sheet masks, leave-in hair conditioners, baby creams and aftershave balms where it helps give a smooth glide and a soft finish.
Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one key function in cosmetics and personal care formulas.
Emollient: It fills in microscopic gaps on the skin surface, leaving it feeling soft, supple and conditioned. Its balanced oil-and-water affinity improves spreadability so creams apply evenly while helping reduce moisture loss for longer-lasting comfort.
Who Can Use Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate
This silky ester suits almost every skin type. Dry and normal skin benefit most from its softening effect, while combination and oily skin can still use it because it feels light and does not leave a heavy film. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well since it is non-fragrant and low in irritation potential. There are no known reasons for people with mature, acne-prone, or teen skin to avoid it unless they react to fatty alcohols in general.
The raw material is made from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic steps so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. No animal by-products are used in its manufacture.
Current safety data show no special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional to be extra safe.
Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate does not make skin more prone to sunburn and has no known impact on photosensitivity. It also plays nicely with common actives like retinol or vitamin C because it is chemically stable across the normal pH range of skincare.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as intended.
- Redness or mild irritation
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in those sensitive to fatty alcohol derivatives
- Temporary stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Eye discomfort if a product containing it accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (very low)
Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate is an ethoxylated fatty ester that spreads thinly, absorbs quickly and does not form a heavy, occlusive film. These traits mean it is far less likely to clog pores than richer waxes or butters. Industry reference lists place similar cetyl esters at a 0 or 1 so formulators consider it practically non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Formula context still matters: if the finished product also contains highly comedogenic oils, the overall pore-clogging potential will rise even though this single ingredient is low.
Summary
Cetyl C12-15-Alketh-9 Carboxylate acts mainly as an emollient. By filling tiny gaps between skin cells it smooths texture, boosts softness and helps slow water loss which keeps skin comfortable. Its balanced oil-and-water nature lets creams glide without feeling greasy and can even aid in dispersing pigments in makeup.
While not a headline star like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, this ester shows up in a wide range of everyday formulas because it quietly improves feel and spreadability. Brands favor it for being plant derived, stable across pH and easy to work with.
Safety data rate it as low risk with only rare irritation reports. Still, everyone’s skin is different so do a quick patch test when you try a new product that contains it, especially if your skin is sensitive.