C12-13 Pareth-23

AKA: Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Not Clean

Alcohols, C12-13, ethoxylated (23 mol EO average molar ratio)

CAS #

66455-14-9

Form

Liquid

Functions

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Emulsifying

Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.

Removes Impurities

Cleansing Surfactant

Emulsifier

Mixes Oil & Water

Traditional Use

Synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier developed in the 20th century for use in cosmetics and personal care products requiring strong solubilization properties.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR