What Is Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate?
Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient made by reacting medium-chain fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm oil with ethylene oxide, then linking the resulting alcohol ethoxylates to phosphoric acid. The numbers in the name tell chemists two things: the fatty alcohol chains are mainly 12 to 15 carbons long, and about ten units of ethylene oxide are attached on average. The phosphate group sits at one end of the molecule, giving it a water-loving head while the fatty chains stay oil-loving. This split personality lets the ingredient sit at the border between oil and water, a property valued in skin and hair care.
The first alcohol ethoxylates appeared in household cleaners in the mid-1900s as gentler replacements for harsher soaps. As formulators looked for milder yet effective options for personal care in the 1980s, they began adding phosphate groups to improve performance and skin feel. Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate grew popular because it offered good cleansing power without much irritation.
Production starts with natural fatty alcohols that are purified, then reacted under pressure with ethylene oxide gas. The resulting ethoxylated alcohols are blended and treated with phosphoric acid to create diesters. After neutralization and filtration, the finished liquid is ready for use.
You will most often see Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate in shampoos, facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, peel-off masks, makeup removers and even some light lotions where a gentle yet effective surfactant is needed.
Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient improves both performance and texture in many everyday products.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while rinsing off easily so skin and hair feel fresh but not stripped
- Emulsifying: It helps mix water with oils and silicones, keeping formulas stable and giving finished products a smooth, uniform feel
Who Can Use Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types, from oily and acne prone to dry and mature. Its mild cleansing action removes debris without stripping the skin’s natural barrier, making it a good option for those with sensitivity or redness who still need effective cleansing. People with severely compromised or eczema-prone skin may prefer shorter contact times or lower concentrations since any surfactant can feel drying if overused.
Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate is manufactured from plant derived fatty alcohols and synthetic processing aids rather than animal sources, so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Formulators sometimes use palm oil as the starting material; shoppers who avoid palm for environmental reasons should look for brands that certify sustainable supply.
Current safety assessments indicate no known reproductive or developmental risks from topical use, so products containing this ingredient are considered acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review their skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and does not make skin more sensitive to the sun. It is also fragrance free and non volatile, so there is no inhalation concern during normal use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate vary between individuals. The following list covers potential adverse effects though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild transient stinging or tightness if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Dryness or flakiness after prolonged contact or very frequent washing
- Contact irritation in persons with surfactant allergies or highly reactive skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes before rinsing
If any discomfort, redness or persistent irritation occurs stop using the product and seek medical guidance if symptoms do not subside
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low)
Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate is a water soluble surfactant that rinses off easily instead of building up inside pores. Its fatty chains are short to medium length and highly ethoxylated, traits that make the molecule more hydrophilic and less likely to clog follicles. Formulas containing it are therefore unlikely to cause comedones when properly balanced with moisturizers and pH adjusters. In short, the ingredient is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Because it is often paired with other mild surfactants and used at modest levels, any comedogenic risk usually comes from richer oils or occlusive agents in the same product rather than from Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate itself.
Summary
Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its phosphate head loves water while its C12-15 fatty tails love oil, so it can surround dirt, sebum and makeup, lift them into the rinse water and help keep oil-in-water mixtures smooth and uniform. These dual talents let formulators create gentle face washes, micellar waters and lightweight lotions that feel pleasant yet clean effectively.
Though not a headline ingredient, it has carved out a steady following in gentle cleansers for sensitive skin because it offers a nice balance of mildness and performance, sitting between traditional sulfates and ultra-mild amphoteric surfactants.
Current safety reviews rate it as low risk for irritation or systemic toxicity when used as directed. Still, individual sensitivities vary, so it is wise to patch test any new product containing Di-C12-15 Pareth-10 Phosphate before fully adding it to your routine.