murphyC12-15 Pareth-3
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, Alcohol 3 EO
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginC12-15 Pareth-3 is derived from coconut or palm kernel oils through fatty alcohol extraction and purification. It is synthesized by ethoxylation, wherein ethylene oxide is added to the fatty alcohol chain.
Alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
68131-39-5
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
Fights Bacteria
Reduces Inflammation
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
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 moderate (CIR 581)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.001–3%
Rinse-off0.0001–25%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR