Surfactant

C12-14 SEC-PARETH-3

CAS 68131-40-8 (generic); 84133-50-6 (generic)

Safety score · 0–100

Fine

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

A secondary C12-14 fatty-alcohol ethoxylate with 3 EO units. Used as a non-ionic emulsifier and cleansing surfactant; the secondary-alcohol structure gives a slightly different feel from primary-alcohol pareths but a similar safety profile.

Function

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYINGEMULSION STABILISINGSURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Skin benefits

Effective oil-and-water emulsifier
Compatible with broad surfactant systems
Useful in both rinse-off and leave-on products

Known concerns

Low-EO grade can mildly defat skin
Ethoxylated material — controlled-purity grade required
Pareth nomenclature being phased out in favour of ALKETH

References

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry: regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

Related surfactants

C10-16 ALKETH-2 (FORMERLY C10-16 PARETH-2)

Surfactant

C12-13 ALKETH-12 CARBOXYLIC ACID (FORMERLY C12-13 PARETH-12 CARBOXYLIC ACID)

C12-15 ALKETH-12 CARBOXYLIC ACID (FORMERLY C12-15 PARETH-12 CARBOXYLIC ACID)

Surfactant

C12-15 ALKETH-2 PHOSPHATE (FORMERLY C12-15 PARETH-2 PHOSPHATE)

Surfactant

C12-15 ALKETH-4 (FORMERLY C12-15 PARETH-4)

Surfactant

C12-15 ALKETH-8 PHOSPHATE (FORMERLY C12-15 PARETH-8 PHOSPHATE)

Surfactant

Same plant / compound family

C12-14 SEC-PARETH-30

Surfactant

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.