What Is Sodium C14-15 Alketh-8 Carboxylate?
Sodium C14-15 Alketh-8 Carboxylate is a mild anionic surfactant made from medium-chain fatty alcohols that typically come from renewable plant oils such as coconut or palm. Chemists first ethoxylate these C14-C15 alcohols by attaching about eight units of ethylene oxide, then oxidize the end of the chain to form a carboxylic acid before neutralising it with sodium hydroxide. The result is a water-soluble salt that carries both oil-loving and water-loving parts, allowing it to act as an effective cleanser. Introduced in the late twentieth century as formulators looked for gentler alternatives to traditional sulfates, it found a place in sulfate-free shampoos and face washes. Today you will most often see it in liquid facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, baby shampoos and other rinse-off products where a soft creamy lather and low irritation profile are desired.
Sodium C14-15 Alketh-8 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient serves one main purpose that has a big impact on how a product performs.
Cleansing: As a gentle surfactant it loosens and lifts oil, sweat and impurities so they can be rinsed away with water. It helps water mix with sebum to create a light cushioning foam, leaving skin or hair feeling clean yet comfortable. Its mild nature reduces the risk of dryness or tightness and its compatibility with other surfactants lets formulators fine-tune lather, viscosity and overall sensory feel.
Who Can Use Sodium C14-15 Alketh-8 Carboxylate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin thanks to its mild cleansing action. People with very dry or eczema-prone skin may still prefer formulas that pair it with extra moisturising agents to minimise any chance of tightness.
Because the fatty alcohols used to produce it are usually sourced from coconut or palm oil it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are involved in its manufacture.
Current safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all personal care products past a qualified healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
Sodium C14-15 Alketh-8 Carboxylate does not increase photosensitivity so there is no special need for additional sun protection beyond the daily sunscreen most dermatologists already recommend.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium C14-15 Alketh-8 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at the levels found in finished cosmetics.
- Skin dryness or tightness
- Mild transient redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sensitivity to ethoxylated surfactants
If any of these issues occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 – Sodium C14-15 Alketh-8 Carboxylate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses off easily and does not leave oily residues behind, so it has virtually no pore-clogging potential. Its molecular structure is designed for cleansing rather than depositing on skin, which is why formulators reach for it in face washes marketed to oily or breakout-prone users.
Because of this low residue profile it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or congestion.
No published data suggest it exacerbates blackheads or whiteheads, and industry assessments routinely classify it as non-comedogenic. Of course the overall formula matters, so a heavy cream containing this surfactant could still clog pores even though the surfactant itself does not.
Summary
Sodium C14-15 Alketh-8 Carboxylate is a mild plant-derived surfactant whose main job is cleansing. Its balanced oil-loving and water-loving parts wrap around dirt and sebum so they can be lifted away with water, creating a soft foam that leaves skin or hair feeling fresh without stripping. You will find it most often in modern sulfate-free shampoos, gel cleansers and micellar waters, making it a quiet workhorse rather than a headline ingredient.
Safety reviews rate it as low-irritation at the concentrations used in cosmetics, and it earns a non-comedogenic score which widens its appeal to sensitive and acne-prone users. Still, every formula is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product before incorporating it into your routine.