What Is Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate?
Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate is a mild synthetic surfactant created from medium-chain fatty alcohols that usually come from coconut or sustainable palm oil. Chemists attach about six units of ethylene oxide to these alcohol molecules, then add a carboxylic acid group and neutralize the mixture with sodium. The result is a water-soluble powder or paste that acts a lot like soap but with better tolerance for hard water and a lower chance of irritation.
The ingredient first appeared in personal care formulas in the late 1980s when brands began looking for gentler, sulfate-free cleansing agents. Its ability to clean skin without stripping it of moisture quickly made it attractive for everyday products. Production involves three main steps: ethoxylation of the C12-15 fatty alcohols, reaction with monochloroacetic acid to introduce the carboxylate group, then neutralization with sodium hydroxide. Strict quality control keeps by-products such as 1,4-dioxane at very low levels.
You will typically see Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate in liquid facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, foaming hand soaps, micellar waters, baby bath formulas, makeup-removing wipes and shaving foams. Because it can also stabilize oil-in-water mixtures, formulators sometimes add it to lightweight lotions or sprayable sunscreens that need both cleansing and emulsifying power.
Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile surfactant improves both the performance and the feel of many rinse-off and leave-on products.
- Cleansing: Reduces the surface tension of water so it can loosen and lift away dirt, sweat and excess sebum. It produces a soft, creamy lather, rinses off easily and leaves skin feeling fresh rather than tight
- Emulsifying: Helps oil and water stay evenly mixed which prevents separation in lotions, sprays and liquid washes. This keeps formulas visually appealing, extends shelf life and gives a smooth, consistent texture
Who Can Use Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate
This gentle surfactant is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including oily, combination, normal, dry and acne prone skin. Sensitive or eczema compromised skin can usually use it too, though very inflamed or cracked areas could feel a mild sting because any surfactant can disrupt an already damaged barrier.
Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate is produced from plant sourced fatty alcohols, so the ingredient itself is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check that the finished product aligns with cruelty free and vegan brand standards if that is important to you.
The molecule stays on the surface of skin and hair then rinses away, so it is considered low risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any cosmetic to their healthcare provider just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also color safe for dyed hair and is free of sulfates, making it a popular pick for people following gentle or “curly girl” hair routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate differ from person to person. The points below list potential but uncommon side effects. When the ingredient is used at appropriate levels most people experience none of these problems.
- Transient dryness or tightness, especially if skin is already dehydrated
- Mild stinging or redness on very sensitive or broken skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals who develop a specific sensitivity
- Eye irritation and watering if the cleanser accidentally gets into eyes
- Exacerbation of existing eczema patches due to over cleansing or long contact time
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate is completely water soluble and designed to lift oil and debris off the skin, not leave any residue behind. It lacks the heavy fatty chains and waxy texture that typically block pores, which is why it earns a zero on the comedogenic scale.
That makes the ingredient suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
Keep in mind that the overall formula matters too. If the cleanser, shampoo or wipe also contains rich oils or butters, those other ingredients could influence how pore friendly the finished product feels.
Summary
Sodium C12-15 Pareth-6 Carboxylate is mainly a cleanser and emulsifier. Its ethoxylated structure lowers water’s surface tension so dirt, sweat and excess sebum can be swept away, while the built-in carboxylate group helps oil and water stay evenly mixed for a stable formula. The result is a gentle lather that rinses clean without stripping skin or hair.
The ingredient is popular in modern sulfate free face washes, body washes and micellar waters, yet it is not as headline grabbing as trendier botanical surfactants. Formulators appreciate it because it delivers reliable foam and mildness at an affordable cost.
Safety profiles from both industry and independent assessments rate it as low risk when used at the concentrations found in cosmetics. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this or any other surfactant before fully incorporating it into your routine.