Sodium C12-15 Pareth-15 Sulfonate

What is Sodium C12-15 Pareth-15 Sulfonate?

Sodium C12-15 Pareth-15 Sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant made by sulfonating ethoxylated alcohols with C12-15 carbon chains and 15 ethylene oxide units. This structure gives it a polar sulfate head and nonpolar tail, ideal for bridging water and oil. Primarily used in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and light lotions, it reduces surface tension to lift away dirt, sebum, and residues. By forming micelles, it encapsulates impurities for easy rinsing. Its emulsifying action stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures, preventing separation and maintaining smooth textures. The ethoxylation enhances mildness compared to harsher surfactants, making it suitable for frequent-use formulas.

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

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Delivers effective yet gentle cleansing for skin and hair

Produces stable foam for a pleasant washing experience

Supports even blending of product ingredients for consistent feel

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People seeking mild daily cleansers
Those rare individuals sensitive to sulfonate surfactants
Individuals with normal to sensitive skin
People preferring sulfate-free or natural-only routines
Users of foaming shampoos and body washes
Anyone experiencing irritation from similar mild surfactants

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard in cosmetic concentrations
  • Typically used in rinse-off products to minimize contact time

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium C12-15 Pareth-15 Sulfonate

What does it do in products?

It lowers surface tension for cleansing, creates foam, and stabilizes emulsions.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its mild nature from ethoxylation supports use in gentle formulas.

Where is it commonly found?

In shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers as a surfactant.