What Is Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate?
Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate is a blend of molecules created when phosphoric acid is reacted with C12-15 Alketh-2, a fatty alcohol ethoxylate made from mid-chain coconut or palm-derived alcohols and a small amount of ethylene oxide. The result is a group of phosphate triesters that behave like mild surface-active agents.
The ingredient first appeared in the late 1970s as formulators looked for gentler, more versatile alternatives to traditional sulfates. Because phosphate esters are less irritating and more water-compatible, Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate soon found a place in cleansers and lotions that needed to feel light yet stable.
Manufacturing starts with renewable plant oils that are split into C12-15 fatty alcohols. These alcohols are treated with ethylene oxide to add two repeating oxyethylene units, then the modified alcohol is esterified with phosphoric acid. After neutralization and purification, the finished material is usually supplied as a clear to hazy liquid.
You will most often see Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, lightweight lotions, silicone-free hair conditioners, sprayable sunscreens, sheet mask essences and rinse-off body washes where a silky after-feel is desired.
Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in many formulas, giving chemists flexibility while keeping labels short.
- Cleansing: Its phosphate head and fatty tail allow it to lift away oil, dirt and makeup without stripping skin or hair. It produces a mild, low-foam lather that rinses clean and leaves a soft feel.
- Emulsifying: The molecule’s balanced water-and-oil affinity lets it bind watery and oily ingredients together. This stabilizes lotions and sprays so they stay uniform, prevents separation during storage and improves the spread of actives over skin or hair.
Who Can Use Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate
Thanks to its gentle cleansing profile Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate is generally well tolerated by normal, oily, dry and combination skin. Extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin could still find any surfactant irritating, so patchy redness or tightness is possible if the rest of the formula is not calming enough.
The ingredient comes from plant oils and contains no animal derivatives so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences. Some suppliers also certify the material as cruelty-free.
No research links topical use of Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate to issues during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run new skincare products past a qualified doctor just to be safe.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and has not been shown to make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is not considered photosensitizing.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential but unlikely effects when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild stinging or redness usually linked to very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Dryness after rinsing if the formula is high in surfactants and low in moisturizers
- Eye irritation when concentrated cleanser accidentally contacts the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis a rare outcome for individuals allergic to phosphate esters
If discomfort or any of the above reactions occur discontinue use and seek professional medical advice.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate is a lightweight surfactant and emulsifier that prefers to stay dissolved in water rather than sit on skin, so it is unlikely to block pores. The fatty part of the molecule is short enough that it rinses away easily and does not form a heavy film. Because most formulas containing it are wash-off or very fluid leave-ons, residue left behind is minimal, which keeps the risk of comedones low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially in rinse-off products.
People using rich creams with multiple occlusive esters should note that the overall formula, not just this single ingredient, determines pore-clogging potential.
Summary
Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate does two main jobs: it cleans by loosening oil and dirt then helping them rinse away and it emulsifies by holding water and oil together so lotions and sprays stay smooth. Its balanced structure carries a water-loving phosphate head and an oil-loving fatty tail, which lets it float at the water-oil border and keep mixtures stable.
The ingredient enjoys modest popularity in modern skincare because it offers sulfate-free mildness and versatility without complicating a formula. You will spot it most often in gentle cleansers, micellar waters and lightweight lotions rather than in rich balms or heavy creams.
Safety data show a low irritation profile and virtually no long-term concerns, making it a reliable option for daily use. Still, every skin is different, so performing a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains Tri-C12-15 Alketh-2 Phosphate is a smart extra step.