What Is Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate?
Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate is a man-made ingredient created by joining fatty alcohols that have 12 to 15 carbon atoms with phosphoric acid, then attaching about ten units of ethylene oxide. The fatty alcohols usually come from coconut or palm oil, so the base material is plant derived even though the finished ingredient is synthetic. Chemists first introduced this type of molecule in the late twentieth century when the beauty industry was looking for gentler, more versatile cleansing agents than traditional soaps.
The manufacturing process starts with the fatty alcohols, which are reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting. This step, called ethoxylation, adds the “-10” part of the name. The resulting ethoxylated alcohol is then treated with phosphoric acid to form a mixture of phosphate diesters. The finished ingredient is typically a clear to slightly hazy liquid that mixes well with water and oil, making it easy to add to many formulas.
You will most often see Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate in rinse-off products where mild cleansing is key. Common examples include facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters and makeup-removing lotions. It can also help stabilize emulsions, so it may appear in lightweight lotions and gels that need a bit of extra cleansing kick without leaving skin tight or dry.
Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetic formulas Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate serves one main purpose: cleansing. It helps loosen and lift dirt, excess oil and makeup from skin or hair so they can be rinsed away with water. Because the molecule has both water-loving and oil-loving parts, it can surround oily grime and hold it in suspension until you wash it off. This action allows formulators to create gentle products that clean effectively without stripping natural moisture, making it suitable for daily use on most skin and hair types.
Who Can Use Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate
This cleansing agent is generally well tolerated by all skin types including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin thanks to its mild surfactant profile. Very dry or compromised skin may prefer richer, more lipid-replenishing cleansers but most people find it comfortable to use daily without tightness or flaking.
Because the raw materials come from plant-derived fatty alcohols and the ingredient is synthesized without animal by-products, it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyle choices. As always, finished products should be checked to confirm the overall formula and manufacturing process are cruelty free.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used in rinse-off cosmetics. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all skincare products past a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate does not sensitize skin to sunlight and will not increase the risk of sunburn. It is also odorless and free of essential oils so it is unlikely to trigger fragrance-related issues.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical ingredients vary. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness itching or stinging, particularly on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Transient dryness or tightness if the surrounding formula lacks adequate moisturizing agents
- Eye irritation if the cleanser is accidentally rubbed into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as a rash or swelling
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any adverse reaction develops while using products containing Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 – non-comedogenic
Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate is a water-soluble cleansing agent that rinses off completely and leaves no oily film on skin or inside pores, so it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score. Its molecular structure is designed to lift away sebum rather than add to it, which further reduces the chance of pore blockage.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
Because it is almost always used in rinse-off formats, any residual contact time on skin is brief, giving even fewer opportunities for congestion.
Summary
Di-C12-15 Alketh-10 Phosphate is primarily a mild surfactant that cleanses by surrounding oil and dirt with its water-loving head and oil-loving tail so the grime can be washed away. This dual nature also lets it stabilise light emulsions, helping formulas stay uniform while delivering a gentle clean.
It is not a marquee beauty buzzword but it shows up quietly in a fair share of modern cleansers, micellar waters and shampoos where formulators want an effective yet soft touch alternative to harsher sulfates.
Overall safety data are strong, irritation is rare and the ingredient is considered low risk for all skin types. As with any new cosmetic product, do a quick patch test to make sure the entire formula agrees with your skin.