C12-13 Pareth-23 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a high-HLB nonionic surfactant used mainly as a solubilizer and emulsifier, helping disperse oils, fragrance components, and other lipophilic materials into water-based formulas. It can also support cleansing systems by improving wetting and foam texture.
What does C12-13 Pareth-23 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a high-HLB nonionic surfactant used mainly as a solubilizer and emulsifier, helping disperse oils, fragrance components, and other lipophilic materials into water-based formulas. It can also support cleansing systems by improving wetting and foam texture.
Is C12-13 Pareth-23 clean?
From a clean beauty lens, the main scrutiny is ethoxylation, which can leave trace 1,4-dioxane if purification and testing are weak. The finished material is generally low-sensitizing, but some retailers flag ethoxylated ingredients or require residual-solvent controls.
Is C12-13 Pareth-23 sustainable?
It is typically made from fatty alcohols that may come from palm, coconut, or petrochemical sources, then reacted with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Materials in this family are generally biodegradable, but sourcing transparency and aquatic discharge controls matter.
Is C12-13 Pareth-23 COSMOS-approved?
It is generally not permitted in COSMOS natural or organic certification because ethoxylated materials do not fit the standard’s allowed processing framework. Its Green Chemistry profile is mixed, with efficient performance and biodegradability balanced against petrochemical input and residual-processing concerns.
How does C12-13 Pareth-23 work chemically?
This molecule is a nonionic polyether built from a C12 to C13 fatty alcohol backbone with a long polyethylene glycol chain, giving it strong water solubility and high emulsifying power. It is typically used at low percentages for solubilization or emulsification, remains broadly stable across common cosmetic pH ranges, and should be sourced with tight 1,4-dioxane specifications.
Last updated 2026-05-13