C14-22 Alcohols
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Oil-in-water emulsifying agent
EWG Safety Score
What Is C14-22 Alcohols?
C14-22 alcohols is a synthetic emulsifying skin care ingredient used to help mix oil and water-based ingredients within a formula to increase texture, feel and stability. Without emulsifiers, formulas wouldn’t appear homogenous and would separate over time.\n\nC14-22 alcohols consists of fatty alcohols that feature 14-22 carbon atoms in their alkyl chain. It’s most often used in a blend featuring other emulsifiers or surfactants. Its most common blend partner is C12-20 alkyl glucoside. Typical usage levels of this blend are 2% in leave-on products and 3–4% in rinse-off products.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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UL Propspector, Accessed February 2023, Webpage UL Propspector, 2023
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International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2021, pages 419-431 International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021
From the Clinic
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C12-16 Alcohols
A mixture of fatty alcohols with 12 to 16 carbons in the alkyl chain
C12-16 Pareth-9
A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in formulations
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
A plant-derived surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate
A synthetic emollient that stabilises formulations and softens skin texture
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
A long-chain emulsifier that stabilises oil and water mixtures in formulations
C20-40 Pareth-10
An emulsifying agent that helps bind water and oil-based ingredients in formulations
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