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Moumoujus

C12-13 PARETH-8 CARBOXYLIC ACID.

Valuable CAS 70750-17-3 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

A sophisticated crypto-anionic surfactant that adapts its behavior based on pH, functioning as a non-ionic cleanser in acidic conditions and an anionic cleanser at neutral pH. This dual personality enables exceptional mildness while maintaining effective cleansing power, making it a cornerstone ingredient in sulfate-free formulations. Its unique chemistry allows minimal skin-protein interaction, delivering thorough cleansing without the harshness typically associated with traditional surfactants.

Summary

surfactant cleansing emulsifying

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operates through pH-responsive molecular switching, existing as a gentle carboxylic acid form at low pH and converting to a carboxylate ion at neutral to alkaline pH. This adaptive mechanism enables effective dirt and oil removal while maintaining extremely low binding affinity to skin proteins, preserving the skin barrier and reducing trans-epidermal water loss compared to conventional surfactants.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1–15%
Optimal

10%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated significantly reduced skin irritation and lower trans-epidermal water loss compared to sodium laureth sulfate systems in clinical mildness assessments

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Primary surfactant ingredient used at meaningful concentrations for cleansing efficacy; not typically used for marketing purposes

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Exceptionally stable across pH range 2.0-12.0 with notable resistance to hard water minerals; enhances solubility of poorly soluble co-ingredients

Synergies

  • Compatible with both anionic and cationic ingredients due to pH-adaptive nature
  • Enhances mildness when combined with other surfactants in sulfate-free systems

Conflicts

  • High-concentration cationic polymers at specific pH levels
  • Extremely acidic environments below pH 2.0

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
15%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Evaluated by CIR Expert Panel as part of Alkyl Ether Carboxylic Acids group; safety contingent on non-irritating formulation

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An intelligently designed surfactant that delivers effective cleansing with superior mildness, making it particularly valuable for sensitive skin formulations and sulfate-free products.

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