C10-16 Pareth-1 is a chemical compound, alkyl polyethylene glycol (PEG (Polyethylene glycol)) ether mixture of synthetic C10-16 fatty alcohol ethoxylated (1 mol).

C10-16 Pareth-1 is a non-ionic surfactant commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products as a cleanser, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It is composed of a mixture of fatty alcohols (with carbon chains ranging from 10 to 16 atoms) ethoxylated with ethylene oxide. This ingredient is often found in skincare and haircare products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers due to its ability to remove oils and impurities effectively.

Chemical Composition and Structure
C10-16 Pareth-1 is a mixture of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, where the carbon chain length ranges from 10 to 16, with a single ethylene oxide unit (Pareth-1). The structure of these ethoxylated fatty alcohols enables them to act as surfactants, reducing the surface tension between water and oils, thus facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.

Physical Properties
C10-16 Pareth-1 typically appears as a viscous liquid or waxy solid, depending on the concentration. It is water-soluble and possesses excellent cleansing properties. It produces foam and helps solubilize oily ingredients in aqueous formulations, making it ideal for use in cleansers and haircare products.

Production Process
C10-16 Pareth-1 is produced through an ethoxylation process, in which fatty alcohols derived from natural or synthetic sources are reacted with ethylene oxide. This process creates a structure with emulsifying and cleansing properties, ensuring the final product can be used in formulations that require the mixing of water and oils.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• C10-16 indicates the carbon chain length of the fatty alcohols from which the compound is derived, ranging from 10 to 16 carbon atoms.
• Pareth-1 indicates that the compound has been ethoxylated, meaning treated with ethylene oxide. The number "1" suggests a low degree of ethoxylation, affecting the solubility and surface properties of the surfactant.

Description of Raw Materials and Their Functions

C10-16 Fatty Alcohols. A mixture of fatty alcohols with carbon chains varying between 10 and 16 atoms. These alcohols act as the hydrophobic base for the formation of the surfactant.

Ethylene Oxide. A chemical compound used to ethoxylate other compounds. It adds ethoxylated (EO) groups to the fatty alcohol structure, increasing the water solubility of the surfactant.

Industrial Chemical Synthesis of C10-16 Pareth-1

• Preparation. The synthesis begins with the reaction of C10-16 fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide.
• Ethoxylation. During this process, ethoxylated groups are added to the fatty alcohols, forming C10-16 Pareth-1. The number "1" indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units added.
• Reaction Control. The reaction is monitored to ensure that the correct number of ethoxylated units is added to the fatty alcohols.
• Purification. After ethoxylation, the product is purified to remove impurities and by-products.
• Quality Control and Packaging. C10-16 Pareth-1 undergoes quality checks.

Form and Color

 Typically appears as a viscous liquid, clear or slightly yellowish.

What it is used for and where

C10-16 Pareth-1 is a non-ionic surfactant used in personal care and cleaning products. It is an ethoxylated derivative of fatty alcohols with a carbon chain length varying between 10 and 16 atoms. This ingredient is known for its foam-producing ability and gentle cleansing properties, making it suitable for shampoos, body cleansers, and similar products.

Cosmetics

• Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.
• Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
• Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.

CAS: 68002-97-1

Commercial applications:

Cosmetics and Cleaning Products Industry. Used as a surfactant in personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, and household cleaners.

Skin and Hair Care. Found in formulations designed to be gentle and less irritating, suitable for daily use.

Safety.

The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. At present, no manufacturer is known to provide this information on the label.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety in Use
C10-16 Pareth-1 is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, like other ethoxylated surfactants, there is a potential for it to contain trace impurities from the ethoxylation process, such as 1,4-dioxane, which can be an irritant. Therefore, it is important that formulations comply with safety standards to limit these impurities.

Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to C10-16 Pareth-1 are rare, but in individuals with sensitive skin or a predisposition to allergies, it may cause irritation or sensitization, especially when used in high concentrations.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
C10-16 Pareth-1 is considered safe when used at recommended concentrations. However, as mentioned, 1,4-dioxane, a potential impurity, is a substance of concern and is strictly monitored to ensure trace amounts are minimized in cosmetic formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
C10-16 Pareth-1 is biodegradable, but it can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems if released in large quantities. It is important to ensure proper disposal of products containing this ingredient and that wastewater is treated appropriately.

Regulatory Status
C10-16 Pareth-1 is approved for use in cosmetics in many regions, including the European Union and the United States, where it is regulated to ensure it is used in safe concentrations with controlled impurities.