What Is Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate?
Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate is a specialty ingredient made from a blend of medium-chain synthetic alcohols linked to phosphoric acid and small units of ethylene oxide. These alcohols have 12 to 15 carbon atoms, a size that helps them mix oil and water with ease. The “6” in the name shows that each alcohol molecule carries about six ethylene oxide units, giving the ingredient its smooth, water-loving character.
This material was first explored in the late twentieth century when formulators were searching for gentle surfactants that could replace harsher soaps. By turning alcohols into phosphate esters and adding ethylene oxide, chemists created a compound that cleans without stripping skin. Over time it shifted from lab trials to mainstream personal care, helped by growing demand for milder cleansers.
Manufacturing starts with plant-derived or petrochemical alcohols. These are reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting to produce ethoxylated alcohols. A second step treats the product with phosphoric acid, forming a mixture of mono and di-esters. The result is then neutralized, filtered, and quality-checked before shipment to cosmetic plants.
You will most often see Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, shampoo, makeup removers, moisturizing lotions that need a light cleansing touch, exfoliating masks, and even some baby care products where a gentle foam is key.
Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place on labels because it performs two helpful jobs at once.
- Cleansing: It loosens dirt, excess oil and makeup so they rinse away easily, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh yet comfortable
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water stay mixed, keeping creams and lotions stable, smooth and pleasant to use
Who Can Use Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate
Thanks to its mild cleansing profile Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate suits most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin that finds traditional sulfates too harsh. Very dry or compromised skin may still prefer richer, more lipid-heavy formulas since this ingredient itself does not add moisture, but it rarely causes extra dehydration when blended into a balanced product.
The compound is made from synthetic alcohols, ethylene oxide and phosphoric acid, with no animal-derived materials involved. That makes it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished product has also been certified cruelty free by the brand.
Available safety data show no specific concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics at typical levels. This is general information, not medical advice, so anyone expecting or nursing should still show the full ingredient list of any new product to their healthcare provider before diving in.
Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate does not absorb UV light and is not known to trigger photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more vulnerable to sunburn. Of course daily sunscreen is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate is used at the concentrations found in finished products that meet quality standards.
- Mild skin irritation such as stinging or itching, especially on compromised or highly sensitive skin
- Transient redness or tightness if the formula is left on the skin for an extended period instead of being rinsed as directed
- Eye irritation or watering if a cleanser containing the ingredient accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals who are specifically sensitized to phosphate esters or ethoxylated surfactants
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a qualified medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1
Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate sits at the very bottom of the comedogenic scale because it is a highly water-soluble cleansing agent that rinses away cleanly instead of lingering in pores. Its molecular structure is designed to lift oil and debris then wash off, leaving little chance for buildup that could block follicles. Most formulas use it at modest levels, often in rinse-off products, further reducing any clogging risk.
Suitable for acne-prone skin, though overall product composition still matters.
As with most surfactants, heavy use in a very thick cream could change how it behaves but such formulas are rare.
Summary
Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate delivers two main perks: it cleans by surrounding dirt and excess oil so they rinse away and it emulsifies by keeping oil and water blended for smooth stable textures. These jobs come from its balanced structure, with an oil-loving alcohol backbone and a water-loving phosphate-ethylene oxide head.
While not a household name it has carved out a steady niche in gentle face washes, micellar waters and light lotions that need mild surfactancy. Formulators appreciate its softness on skin compared with traditional sulfate surfactants.
Current safety reviews show it is low-risk when used at normal cosmetic levels, with irritation or allergy remaining uncommon. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so try a patch test with any new product that lists Di-C12-15 Alketh-6 Phosphate to make sure it agrees with you.