C12-15 Alcohols

What is C12-15 Alcohols?

C12-15 Alcohols refer to a blend of straight-chain, saturated fatty alcohols containing 12 to 15 carbon atoms, such as dodecanol, tridecanol, tetradecanol, and pentadecanol. These ingredients are commonly produced by hydrogenating natural fats and oils from sources like coconut or palm kernel, though synthetic versions exist. In skincare formulations, they appear in moisturizers, lotions, and creams within the surfactant and emollient categories. They work by forming a protective layer on the skin to reduce water loss, reinforcing the interface between oil and water phases to maintain emulsion integrity, and increasing product thickness for better suspension of particles and even spreading during use.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.

Benefits

Provides a soft, smooth feel by filling skin irregularities.

Helps maintain product stability by preventing separation.

Allows customizable thickness for pleasant texture and easy application.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking non-greasy emolliency in daily moisturizers.
Those with rare allergies to fatty alcohols.
Users of emulsion-based products like lotions for enhanced stability.
Individuals sensitive to coconut or palm-derived ingredients.
People wanting improved product spread without pore clogging.
People preferring formulations free of any alcohol components.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use with low irritation potential.
  • Non-comedogenic, suitable for acne-prone skin types.

Frequently Asked Questions about C12-15 Alcohols

What are C12-15 Alcohols?

A mix of C12 to C15 fatty alcohols from natural oils, used for emolliency and stabilization in creams.

Are C12-15 Alcohols irritating?

They show low irritation potential in cosmetic applications.

Can C12-15 Alcohols cause breakouts?

No, with a comedogenic rating of zero, they do not clog pores.