C12-13 PARETH-3
C12-13 PARETH-3 is a mixture of synthetic fatty alcohols with 12- and 13-carbon chains that have received an average of three ethylene oxide units. The result is a polyethylene glycol ether: one part of the molecule associates with oils, while another interacts with water.
C12-13 PARETH-3: what it is
C12-13 PARETH-3 is a mixture of synthetic fatty alcohols with 12- and 13-carbon chains that have received an average of three ethylene oxide units. The result is a polyethylene glycol ether: one part of the molecule associates with oils, while another interacts with water.
The number 3 does not identify one single pure substance; it indicates the average number of units added during manufacture. This is why C12-13 PARETH-3 is not the same ingredient as C12-13 PARETH-23. They belong to the same family of ethoxylated alcohols, but have different average degrees of ethoxylation.
C12-13 PARETH-3: what it does in cosmetics
C12-13 PARETH-3 is used as an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant. In practical terms, it helps keep water and oily components more evenly distributed in a preparation instead of separating quickly. This can support a more uniform appearance and application in a liquid product.
In a hygiene formula, its oil-compatible portion helps disperse oily residues while its water-compatible portion allows them to be removed during rinsing or the product's intended use. A survey of wet wipes listed it among the declared surfactants, but that work analysed labels and pH only; it does not show a clinical skin effect from the isolated ingredient.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
