C10-16 ALKETH-1
Surfactant
Good
About C10-16 ALKETH-1
A short-chain ethoxylate with potent cleansing and emulsifying action but elevated irritation potential due to minimal PEG shielding.
Detailed Analysis
C10-16 Alketh-1 is the polyethylene glycol ether of C10-16 fatty alcohols with an average of just 1 mole ethylene oxide, making it largely equivalent to an ethoxylated fatty alcohol with very little hydrophilic shielding. The very short PEG chain combined with a broad C10-16 alkyl range produces a potent surfactant with higher skin irritation and barrier-disruption potential compared to higher-EO Alketh variants. It is not specifically restricted under EU Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, but use is generally confined to rinse-off formulations at low concentrations to minimise irritation risk.
What It Does
Skin Benefits
- ✓ Strong cleansing and oil-removing action
- ✓ Effective emulsifier when used at appropriate concentrations
Known Concerns
- ⚠ Elevated skin and eye irritation potential due to very short PEG chain
- ⚠ May disrupt skin barrier with overuse or prolonged contact
- ⚠ Environmental concern as a short-chain surfactant
Safety Score
Good
Based on EU regulatory data, published safety research, and ingredient function analysis.
References
EU CosIng Database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry
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