What Is Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate?
Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate is a lab-made ingredient created by reacting medium-chain synthetic alcohols, mainly with 12 to 15 carbon atoms, with about eight units of ethylene oxide, then linking two of these alcohol chains to phosphoric acid. The result is a blend of diesters that behaves a lot like natural skin lipids yet offers the reliability of a controlled manufacturing process.
The cosmetic industry began exploring ethoxylated alcohol phosphates in the late 1970s when brands looked for gentler yet effective cleansing agents. As surfactant science advanced, this particular molecule stood out for its mildness and versatility, which explains its steady presence in formulas today.
Production starts with synthesizing the C12-15 fatty alcohols from petroleum or vegetable feedstocks. These alcohols are ethoxylated under heat and pressure, then reacted with phosphoric acid. Careful neutralization and purification steps follow to ensure low free acids and a consistent composition.
You will typically find Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, micellar waters, light lotions and makeup removers. It also shows up in some serums and sprays where a clear fluid texture is needed.
Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its spot on an ingredient list by improving both how a product works and how it feels on the skin.
- Cleansing: Acts as a mild surfactant that loosens dirt, oil and makeup so they can be rinsed away without stripping natural moisture. Its balanced charge profile helps it foam nicely even in hard water.
- Emulsifying: Keeps oil and water phases blended in stable, easy-to-spread lotions, gels and cleansers. This stability means the product stays uniform on the shelf and delivers the intended dose of actives each time you use it.
Who Can Use Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skins that react to harsher sulfates. People with very dry or compromised skin might notice tightness if the formula pairs it with other strong surfactants, so a follow-up moisturizer is advised.
Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate is produced from synthetic or plant-derived raw materials with no animal by-products, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
No studies link this ingredient to problems during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list to a healthcare professional before starting a new product just to be safe.
It does not heighten photosensitivity, so routine sun exposure guidelines remain unchanged.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate differ from one person to another. The points below list potential side effects that could occur, yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, especially on very sensitive skin
- Dryness or a tight feeling if the product is used too frequently or left on the skin too long
- Eye stinging if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by rash or swelling
If any of these effects appear stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1
Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate is highly water soluble and does not leave an oily film on the skin. Its molecules rinse away cleanly, which means they rarely clog pores or trap dead cells. For these reasons formulators consider it non-comedogenic or very close to it, landing around 0 to 1 on the standard 0-5 scale.
Because it does not encourage pore blockages it is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
No published data suggest that this ingredient worsens blackheads or whiteheads, even when used in leave-on products, but the overall formula and the way it is used matter too.
Summary
Di-C12-15 Alketh-8 Phosphate works mainly as a mild cleanser and emulsifier. Its surfactant head grabs onto water while its fatty tail binds oils, letting it lift away dirt and makeup without stripping the skin. At the same time the phosphate groups help keep oil and water mixed so lotions and gels stay smooth and stable.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline act. It shows up in many everyday shampoos, body washes and micellar waters because it is dependable, gentle and cost effective though you might not notice it unless you read the label closely.
Safety reviews find it low risk for irritation or allergy when used at normal cosmetic levels. While problems are rare everyone’s skin is different so it is wise to do a quick patch test whenever you try a new product that contains it.