Ingredient review
C12-13 Pareth-23
INCI: C12-13 PARETH-23
A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but may be too drying for very sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
In plain English
C12-13 Pareth-23 is a man-made ingredient that helps water and oil mix together, so your cleanser can remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil without leaving a greasy film. It's a type of surfactant (a fancy word for a cleansing agent) that is considered milder than traditional soaps, but it can still be slightly drying if you have very sensitive or already dry skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
C12-13 Pareth-23 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging C12-13 Pareth-23.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
C12-13 Pareth-23 is a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier made by reacting a fatty alcohol (derived from plant or petroleum sources) with ethylene oxide. The '23' refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units, which influences its water solubility and mildness.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, C12-13 Pareth-23 reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend into a stable mixture. This helps lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away easily. It also helps create a rich lather in cleansers and shampoos.
Pros
Gentle cleansing
C12-13 Pareth-23 is milder than many traditional surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, making it less likely to strip the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Versatile formulator
It works well in both rinse-off and leave-on products, helping to create stable, effective formulas that feel pleasant on the skin.
Cons and cautions
Potential for dryness
Even though it's mild, overuse or use in high concentrations can still lead to slight dryness, especially for those with already compromised skin barriers.
Synthetic origin
It is not a natural ingredient, which may be a drawback for consumers who prefer plant-based or naturally derived alternatives.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin
- Those who wear makeup or sunscreen daily
Use caution if
- Individuals with very dry, irritated, or eczema-prone skin
- Those seeking 100% natural formulations
Usage tips
Safety summary
C12-13 Pareth-23 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is a mild surfactant with low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, like all cleansing agents, it can contribute to dryness if used excessively or on already compromised skin.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have found alkyl ethoxylates like C12-13 Pareth-23 to be safe in rinse-off and leave-on products when formulated properly. Studies show low skin irritation and sensitization potential at typical use levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. No specific restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic ethoxylate, it may have moderate biodegradability. Some ethoxylates can form trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers control this to safe levels.
Good to know
- The number '23' indicates the average ethylene oxide chain length, which affects how water-soluble and mild the ingredient is.
- It is often used in combination with other surfactants to balance cleansing power and mildness.
Common questions
What is C12-13 Pareth-23 in beauty products?
C12-13 Pareth-23 is a man-made ingredient that helps water and oil mix together, so your cleanser can remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil without leaving a greasy film. It's a type of surfactant (a fancy word for a cleansing agent) that is considered milder than traditional soaps, but it can still be slightly drying if you have very sensitive or already dry skin.
What does C12-13 Pareth-23 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, C12-13 Pareth-23 reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend into a stable mixture. This helps lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away easily. It also helps create a rich lather in cleansers and shampoos.
Is C12-13 Pareth-23 safe for most people?
C12-13 Pareth-23 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is a mild surfactant with low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, like all cleansing agents, it can contribute to dryness if used excessively or on already compromised skin.
Who should be careful with C12-13 Pareth-23?
Individuals with very dry, irritated, or eczema-prone skin Those seeking 100% natural formulations
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.