What Is Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Phosphate?
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Phosphate is a surfactant made by reacting medium-chain synthetic or coconut-derived fatty alcohols (those with 12 to 13 carbon atoms) with a small amount of ethylene oxide, then esterifying the resulting alcohol ethoxylates with phosphoric acid and neutralizing the mixture with sodium hydroxide. The outcome is a mild, water-soluble cleansing agent that carries a negative charge when dispersed in water. Originally introduced in the late 1970s as formulators sought gentler alternatives to traditional soaps, it soon found favor in shampoos and liquid cleansers for its ability to create a rich yet easy-to-rinse lather. Today it shows up in face and body washes, micellar waters, exfoliating scrubs, bubble baths, makeup removers, shower gels and even some sheet mask essences where a light cleansing action is needed without stripping skin.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The ingredient fulfills a single but important role in personal care formulas.
Cleansing: As an anionic surfactant it lowers the surface tension of water so oil, dirt and leftover makeup can be lifted away with minimal rubbing. It produces a creamy foam that rinses quickly and leaves skin feeling fresh rather than tight, making it popular in mild daily cleansers and sensitive-skin products.
Who Can Use Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Phosphate
This gentle surfactant is generally well tolerated by oily, combination, normal and even many sensitive skin types because it cleanses without heavy stripping. People with very dry or eczema-prone skin might find frequent use a bit drying if the rest of the formula lacks replenishing ingredients, so they may prefer richer cleansers.
The ingredient is made from synthetic or plant (often coconut) sources and contains no animal-derived components, so it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Phosphate is classed as low risk for pregnancy and breastfeeding since it is used in rinse-off products and is not readily absorbed. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product by a healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
It does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. The ingredient is also considered color-safe for most hair types and does not react with common actives like vitamin C or retinoids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Phosphate vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential effects and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is used correctly by the product maker.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness after rinsing, especially on already dehydrated skin
- Transient stinging if the cleanser is left on broken or compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the product gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as redness itching or small bumps
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Phosphate is water soluble and designed to break up oils rather than sit on the skin so it is very unlikely to block pores. It is used in low concentrations in rinse-off products which further reduces any clogging risk.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
No interactions with common acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid have been reported.
Summary
Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Phosphate is a mild anionic surfactant that loosens dirt oil and makeup then lifts them away when rinsed. Its creamy foam cleans without the squeaky tight feel harsher detergents can leave behind.
It is not as famous as sulfates or newer sugar-based cleansers but formulators value it for balanced cleansing in everyday face washes body washes and micellar waters.
Current safety data class it as low risk with only minor dryness or irritation possible for very sensitive users. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a quick patch test before full use just to be safe.