What Is Sodium C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylate?
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylate is a synthetic surfactant made from a mix of fatty alcohols that contain 12 to 13 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols are often derived from natural oils such as coconut or palm, then reacted with ethylene oxide to add roughly 11 repeating ethoxy units. The resulting alcohol ethoxylate is next carboxylated and finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide, giving the water-soluble salt used in cosmetics.
The ingredient entered the personal care scene in the late 1980s when formulators sought milder alternatives to traditional sulfates. By switching the sulfate group for a carboxylate head, chemists created a cleansing agent that produces a rich foam yet is less likely to strip skin or hair.
Today sodium C12-13 alketh-12 carboxylate appears in a wide range of rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths and kids’ bath products. It can also pop up in makeup removers, micellar waters and shaving foams where a gentle lather and easy rinse are key.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single but important role in cosmetic formulas
As a cleansing agent it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and product buildup can be lifted away and rinsed off easily. It produces a creamy foam that enhances the sensory feel of a wash while helping the formula spread evenly. Because its carboxylate head group is considered milder than sulfates it can deliver effective cleansing with reduced risk of dryness or irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin and daily use.
Who Can Use Sodium C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, combination, normal and sensitive. Its mild cleansing action helps remove excess oil without overly stripping dry or mature skin, while the gentle lather is unlikely to aggravate redness prone complexions. Those with very compromised or eczematous skin might still prefer ultra mild non foaming cleansers, although most people find this ingredient comfortable for daily use.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylate is suitable for vegans and vegetarians because it is synthesized from plant derived fatty alcohols and petrochemical sources, with no animal by products used in its manufacture.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse off or leave on personal care products. Absorption through intact skin is minimal. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare routine past a qualified health professional to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so there is no special need for extra sun precautions beyond standard daytime sunscreen use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential reactions yet they are rarely experienced by the average user when the product is properly formulated.
- Transient eye stinging if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Mild skin dryness or tightness after rinsing, especially with very frequent washing or hot water
- Temporary redness or irritation on highly sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to ethoxylated surfactants, though documented cases are uncommon
- Increased dryness when combined with other strong surfactants in the same formula
If any discomfort, burning or persistent irritation occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylate is a large water-soluble surfactant that readily rinses off and does not linger in pores, so it lacks the oily or waxy characteristics that typically trigger comedones. It is therefore considered non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because this ingredient is almost always used in rinse-off products any brief skin contact further limits the chance of pore blockage.
Summary
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-12 Carboxylate is a mild plant-derived surfactant whose main job is cleansing. It lowers surface tension so water can mix with oil and dirt, whips up a creamy foam for an enjoyable wash and then rinses away without leaving a heavy film.
While not as famous as sulfates or newer amino acid surfactants it appears in a steady stream of facial cleansers, body washes and shampoos thanks to its balance of good lather and gentle feel.
Current safety data shows a low risk of irritation, minimal absorption and no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding users when used as directed. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this or any other active ingredient.