Ingredient review

Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate

INCI: SODIUM C12-13 PARETH-2 PHOSPHATE

A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin.

beautyskincarecleansing

In plain English

This ingredient is a mild cleansing agent that helps water mix with oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's often used in gentle face washes and body cleansers because it cleans effectively without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

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
semi synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate is a semi-synthetic surfactant made by reacting fatty alcohols (from coconut or palm oil) with ethylene oxide and phosphoric acid, then neutralizing with sodium. It belongs to the alkyl ether phosphate family, known for mildness and good foaming properties.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. It surrounds oil and dirt particles, allowing them to be suspended in water and rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it also helps blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions.

Pros

Mild on skin

This surfactant is much gentler than traditional sulfates like SLS, making it suitable for daily use and sensitive skin.

Effective emulsifier

It helps stabilize oil-and-water blends in creams and lotions, improving product texture and shelf life.

Cons and cautions

Potential palm sourcing

The fatty alcohols may come from palm oil, raising environmental concerns unless certified sustainable.

Not for water-free formulas

This ingredient requires water to function as a cleanser or emulsifier, so it's not used in oil-only or powder cleansers.

Best for

  • People with normal to dry skin looking for a mild cleanser
  • Those who prefer sulfate-free cleansing options

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known sensitivity to phosphate-based surfactants (rare)

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off cleansers for best mildness
Pair with co-surfactants to boost foam if desired
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Safety summary

Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, making it a gentle alternative to harsher surfactants.

Research notes

Alkyl ether phosphates are well-studied as mild surfactants. Human patch tests and safety reviews by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) support their safety in rinse-off and leave-on products at low concentrations.

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 other major markets. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
Common uses
Cleansers, Facial washes, Body washes, Shampoos, Emulsions
Environmental note
Biodegradability is generally good, but sourcing of palm-derived fatty alcohols may impact deforestation. Look for RSPO-certified or sustainably sourced versions.

Good to know

  • Often found in 'sulfate-free' cleansers
  • Can be used alongside other mild surfactants to adjust cleansing power

Common questions

What is Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate in beauty products?

This ingredient is a mild cleansing agent that helps water mix with oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's often used in gentle face washes and body cleansers because it cleans effectively without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.

What does Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. It surrounds oil and dirt particles, allowing them to be suspended in water and rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it also helps blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions.

Is Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate safe for most people?

Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, making it a gentle alternative to harsher surfactants.

Who should be careful with Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate?

Individuals with known sensitivity to phosphate-based surfactants (rare)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety Assessment of Alkyl Ether PhosphatesOpenPubChem – Sodium C12-13 Pareth-2 PhosphateOpenEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – Information on ChemicalsOpen

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.