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Moumoujus

C12-14 SEC-PARETH-20.

Valuable CAS 84133-50-6 / EMULSION STABILISING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

A nonionic ethoxylated surfactant that functions as both an emulsifier and solubilizing agent in skincare formulations. Its unique secondary alcohol structure provides excellent stability across diverse pH ranges while maintaining gentle skin compatibility. This versatile ingredient excels at creating stable oil-in-water emulsions and incorporating challenging actives into water-based systems.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant cleansing emulsion stabilizing

Science

Mechanism of Action

Works by reducing interfacial tension between oil and water phases through its amphiphilic structure - the hydrophilic PEG-20 chain interacts with water while the lipophilic C12-14 secondary alcohol tail associates with oils, creating stable emulsions and enabling solubilization of hydrophobic compounds.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.5–7.5%
Optimal

3%

Key findings

  1. 01 CIR Safety Assessment demonstrated low sensitization rates of 0.25-0.34% in patch testing of analogous ethoxylated alcohols
  2. 02 Maximum concentration studies confirmed 7.5% safety threshold for leave-on applications

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As a functional emulsifier rather than an active ingredient, dusting is not applicable to this surfactant component

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

Demonstrates exceptional chemical stability across acidic to alkaline conditions with no reactivity to water or air under standard storage parameters

Synergies

  • Other nonionic emulsifiers
  • Fragrance compounds
  • Essential oils

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
7.5%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Industry purification standards effectively manage potential 1,4-dioxane contamination concerns inherent to ethoxylated ingredients

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A reliable, well-tolerated emulsifier that provides formulation flexibility across all skin types with strong safety credentials.

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References

Sources