What Is Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate?
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate is a synthetic cleansing agent made by reacting fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm oil with ethylene oxide, then neutralizing the result with sodium to form a salt. The numbers in the name tell chemists that the fatty alcohols have between 12 and 15 carbon atoms and that six units of ethylene oxide were added. This combination produces a molecule that loves both oil and water, allowing it to lift away dirt and rinse off easily. First introduced in the late twentieth century as formulators searched for milder alternatives to traditional soaps, it quickly found a place in personal care because it produces a soft creamy lather without being overly drying.
The ingredient is manufactured in large-scale reactors where the plant-derived fatty alcohols are purified, ethoxylated to the desired degree, then carboxylated and neutralized. Strict quality controls keep by-products like unreacted ethylene oxide or dioxane within safety limits set by regulators worldwide.
Because of its gentle yet effective cleansing ability, Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate shows up in a wide range of rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, hand soaps, bubble baths and shampoo bars. It can also appear in multi-tasking skincare like exfoliating masks or micellar waters where formulators want a cleanser that pairs well with conditioning agents or mild exfoliants.
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics, this ingredient serves one main purpose that brings several formulating advantages.
As a cleansing agent it loosens makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and daily grime so they can be washed away with water. Its balanced oil-and-water loving structure creates a silky lather that feels pleasant without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier, helping products leave skin feeling clean yet comfortable. It also works well alongside other surfactants, boosting overall foam and stability while keeping formulas clear and low in irritation, which is why it is favored in gentle or sensitive-skin lines.
Who Can Use Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate
This cleanser is generally suitable for all skin types, including oily, combination, normal and even many sensitive skins because it is milder than traditional soap and has a balanced pH. Extremely dry or eczema-prone skin may find any foaming surfactant a bit dehydrating if used too often, so pairing it with a rich moisturizer is wise.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant-derived fatty alcohols and contains no animal by-products or animal testing requirements, so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards.
Current data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off cosmetics. This is not medical advice, and anyone expecting or nursing should still check with a healthcare professional before introducing new products.
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no special photosensitivity warning. It is also fragrance-free and free of common allergens like gluten or nuts, making it versatile for many users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues that are possible yet unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in properly formulated products.
- Transient dryness or tightness – can occur if the formula is left on the skin too long or used too frequently
- Mild irritation or stinging – more likely on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Redness or itching – rare but possible in individuals with a surfactant sensitivity
- Eye irritation – may happen if cleansers accidentally get into the eyes
- Contact allergic dermatitis – very uncommon but documented with most surfactants
If any discomfort, redness or other adverse effect develops discontinue use and consult a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5. Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate is a water soluble surfactant that rinses away completely and leaves no oily film that could clog pores. Because it is used in wash-off products and does not linger on the skin, it has virtually no potential to cause comedones. This makes it suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Laboratory assessments of comedogenicity focus on leave-on ingredients, so surfactants like this one are generally considered non-comedogenic unless combined with heavy oils or butters in the same formula.
Summary
Sodium C12-15 Alketh-6 Carboxylate is a gentle cleanser that lifts oil, makeup and daily grime then rinses away without stripping the skin. Its balanced oil-and-water loving structure lets it create a creamy lather, boost foam in multi-surfactant systems and keep formulas clear at a skin-friendly pH. While not as famous as sodium lauryl sulfate or coco-glucoside, it is gaining steady popularity in sensitive skin face washes and body cleansers thanks to its mildness.
Safety reviews by global regulators show that this ingredient is well tolerated in rinse-off products at typical use levels, with irritation or allergy being rare. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a quick patch test to rule out personal sensitivities before full application.