Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate

What is Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate?

Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate is a synthetic anionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating a blend of C12-15 fatty alcohols, sulfating the result, and neutralizing with sodium hydroxide. It features an alkyl chain of 12-15 carbons with ethylene oxide units, classifying it within the pareth sulfate group. Primarily featured in rinse-off cosmetics such as shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, and hand soaps, it excels in personal cleansing formulations. Mechanistically, it disrupts the surface tension of liquids, enabling the formation of micelles that encapsulate and remove soils, sebum, and residues during rinsing. Additionally, it promotes foam generation for better product spreadability and acts as an emulsifier by stabilizing oil-in-water interfaces, ensuring uniform consistency in multi-phase products. Its structure confers a balance of efficacy and milder behavior compared to simpler alkyl sulfates.

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 dirt and oil removal through micelle formation for clean rinsing.

Generates rich, stable lather to enhance the cleansing sensory experience.

Supports emulsion stability, aiding smooth textures in cleansers and washes.

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 with normal skin types using daily shampoos or body washes.
Those with highly reactive skin sensitive to surfactants.
Individuals preferring foaming cleansers for hair and body hygiene.
People opting for completely sulfate-free personal care routines.
Users seeking balanced cleansing without heavy residue on skin or hair.
Individuals experiencing discomfort from foaming cleansers.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use in rinse-off products at standard concentrations.
  • Exhibits low comedogenic potential, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate

What does Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate do in products?

It lowers surface tension to cleanse by forming micelles, creates foam, and stabilizes emulsions in rinse-off items like shampoos.

Is it suitable for everyday use?

Yes, its mild profile makes it common in daily cleansers for normal skin and hair.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk of pore blockage.