murphyC12-13 Pareth-3
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide, typically sourced from petrochemical or plant-based starting materials. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are attached to fatty alcohol precursors.
Alcohols, C12-13, ethoxylated (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
66455-14-9
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 581)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions severe (CIR 581)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.009–25%
Rinse-off0.2–32%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR