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Skincare Ingredient

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C12-14 Pareth-12

In Skincare: Is C12-14 Pareth-12 Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Ethoxylated nonionic surfactant/emulsifier; generally considered safe by CIR at typical use levels. May cause mild to moderate irritation in some individuals, particularly at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin types. Limited safety data is available on long-term or repeated exposure effects.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated (12 mol EO average molar ratio)
Classifications
Emulsifier

Role of C12-14 Pareth-12

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Cleansing Surfactant

Removes dirt and oil through surfactant action

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Emulsifying Surfactant

Blends oil and water phases into stable mixtures

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.

Products

containing C12-14 Pareth-12

402 formulations
Watermelon Gel Moisturizer
Watermelon Gel Moisturizer
Clean & Clear · moisturizer
Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Face Moisturizer
Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Face Moisturizer
Clean & Clear · moisturizer
Apricot Food Mask
Apricot Food Mask
Skinfood · masks
Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

C12-14 Pareth-12 — common questions

What is C12-14 Pareth-12 in skincare?

Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated (12 mol EO average molar ratio)

What does C12-14 Pareth-12 do? / Functions of C12-14 Pareth-12?

Common functions: SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.

What is the comedogenic rating of C12-14 Pareth-12? / Is C12-14 Pareth-12 comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of C12-14 Pareth-12 has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether C12-14 Pareth-12 clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is C12-14 Pareth-12 safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

C12-14 Pareth-12 has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Ethoxylated nonionic surfactant/emulsifier; generally considered safe by CIR at typical use levels. May cause mild to moderate irritation in some individuals, particularly at higher concentrations or

Is C12-14 Pareth-12 good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

C12-14 Pareth-12 has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of C12-14 Pareth-12 in skincare?

Known considerations: Ethoxylated nonionic surfactant/emulsifier; generally considered safe by CIR at typical use levels. May cause mild to moderate irritation in some individuals, particularly at higher concentrations or in sensitive skin types. Limited safety data is available on long-term or repeated exposure effects.

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