Snapshot
- Overview
- A mild cleansing ingredient found in shampoos and face washes.
- Category
- Cleansing, Emulsifying
- Type
- Surfactant
C12-14 Alketh-12
C12-14 Alketh-12 is a nonionic, ethoxylated fatty-alcohol surfactant used in many water-soluble PEG systems. It's chosen for cleansing, fragrance solubilization, and stabilizing emulsions in shampoos, face washes, and lotions.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is C12-14 Alketh-12 a Good Ingredient?
This reliable nonionic surfactant and solubilizer cleans and keeps formulas uniform, which supports a solid Good rating. It can be mildly irritating for some, especially at higher levels or in eye-area use, so it's best suited to rinse-off products.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Lifts away oils and impurities while helping formulas feel comfortable on rinse-off, and aids even texture in products so they perform consistently on skin and hair.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Common in gel cleansers, body washes, and micellar-style lotions to improve wash-off, and also used in lightweight shampoos and makeup-removing cleansers.
Before you use it
Safety
Generally safe in rinse-off formats, but may cause stinging or dryness in sensitive or compromised skin and can irritate eyes. Patch testing is prudent for very reactive users. Avoid prolonged contact if irritation occurs.
Products with C12-14 Alketh-12
