murphyC12-15 Pareth-9
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, Alcohol 9 EO
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from fatty alcohols in the C12-15 carbon chain range, typically sourced from petroleum or plant oils. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to the fatty alcohol backbone.
Alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated (9 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
68131-39-5
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
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-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 581)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 2 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 581)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.003%
Rinse-off0.00003–0.06%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR