What it is
This is a nonionic surfactant made by attaching an average of about 3 ethylene oxide units to a branched C12-13 fatty alcohol blend. With only a few ethylene oxide units it is relatively oil-loving (low HLB), so it works as the lipophilic partner in an emulsifier system. It is frequently combined with a more highly ethoxylated counterpart such as C12-13 Pareth-23 to achieve a stable oil-in-water emulsion.
Safety & warnings
Low-ethoxylated fatty alcohols of this type are commonly used as co-emulsifiers and are generally well tolerated. As with other ethoxylated ingredients, manufacturers should control for trace 1,4-dioxane formed during ethoxylation; this is a quality-control matter for the raw material. 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
Why is it often used alongside C12-13 Pareth-23?
The two have different solubility balances. Pareth-3 is more oil-loving and Pareth-23 more water-loving, so combining them gives a stable, well-balanced emulsion.
Does it provide sun protection?
No. It is an emulsifier that helps hold the formula together; it does not absorb or reflect UV light.