What it is
This is a nonionic ethoxylated surfactant made by attaching an average of roughly 23 ethylene oxide units to a branched C12-13 fatty alcohol blend. The high degree of ethoxylation makes it relatively water-loving, so it functions as a high-HLB emulsifier that helps disperse oils into water and stabilize oil-in-water creams and lotions. It is commonly paired with a lower-ethoxylated partner such as C12-13 Pareth-3 to fine-tune the emulsifier balance.
Safety & warnings
Ethoxylated fatty alcohols of this type are widely used and generally well tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off products. As with other ethoxylated ingredients, manufacturing should control for trace 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of ethoxylation; this is a production-quality issue rather than a property of the finished ingredient. No notable comedogenicity is established.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced by ethoxylating a C12-13 fatty alcohol, which may be derived from petrochemical or plant-based feedstocks.
Questions everyone asks
What does the number 23 mean?
It indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units added to the fatty alcohol. A higher number, like 23, makes the surfactant more water-soluble.
Is it a UV filter?
No. It is a nonionic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases; it provides no sun protection on its own.