What Is Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide?
Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide is a mild surfactant created from plant derived fatty alcohols that contain 12 to 15 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols are first reacted with ethylene oxide to add two hydroxyethyl groups, then combined with a propylamine unit. A gentle oxidation step turns the amine into an amine oxide, giving the molecule its cleaning and foaming abilities while keeping it skin friendly.
The ingredient appeared in the late 1970s when formulators looked for alternatives to harsher sulfated surfactants. Its balance of oil loving and water loving parts lets it lift away dirt without stripping natural oils, so it quickly found a place in rinse off products.
You will most often see Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble bath, foaming face masks, shaving foams and some micellar waters. It is usually paired with other surfactants to round out the formula and boost foam quality.
Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient supports both product performance and sensory feel
- Antistatic: Helps reduce static buildup on hair strands so styles stay smoother and less flyaway after rinsing
- Cleansing: Breaks up skin oil, product residue and environmental grime so they rinse away easily leaving skin and hair fresh yet comfortable
- Foam Boosting: Increases the amount, stability and creaminess of foam which makes cleansers feel richer and more cushiony during use
Who Can Use Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide
This gentle surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin and hair types. Normal, oily, combination and even most sensitive or reactive skin usually handle it without issues because it cleans without stripping natural lipids. Very dry or compromised skin might prefer formulas where it is paired with extra moisturizers to avoid a tight feel after rinsing.
The material is produced from plant derived fatty alcohols and does not rely on animal sources, so it is considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans as long as the finished product carries cruelty free certification.
Current safety reviews show no specific hazards for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse off cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss any skincare product with a healthcare provider to be extra safe.
Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide is not known to cause photosensitivity and does not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless and has no reported interactions with common topical actives like retinoids or vitamin C, so it fits easily into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished formula.
- Mild eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Temporary skin stinging or redness in very sensitive individuals when used at high concentration
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis marked by itchiness or small bumps
- Dryness or taut feeling if the product is left on the skin for extended periods instead of being rinsed promptly
- Fading of semi permanent hair color when used in clarifying shampoos due to its effective cleansing action
If you notice any of the reactions listed above stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and leaves virtually no oily film on the skin. Because it does not linger in pores or add occlusive residue it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score.
That makes it generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Since this ingredient is almost always used in wash-off products any tiny traces that might remain after rinsing are too low to pose a clogging risk.
Summary
Dihydroxyethyl C12-15 Alkoxypropylamine Oxide delivers three main jobs in cosmetics: it cleans by lifting away oils and dirt, boosts foam for a richer lather and helps tame static on hair so styles stay smooth. It achieves these effects thanks to its balanced structure that has both water-loving and oil-loving parts plus an amine oxide head that is gentle on skin.
While not as famous as sulfates or coco-betaines it is a quiet workhorse in many shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers where formulators want mildness without sacrificing lather.
Current safety data show it is low risk for irritation or allergy when used as directed. As with any new skincare product a small patch test is still a smart idea to confirm personal tolerance.