C20-40 Pareth-3
AKA “C20-40 Pareth-3, Pareth-3
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
C20-40 pareth-3
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Alcohols, C20-40, ethoxylated (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
246538-83-0
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic surfactant created in the 20th century for cosmetic use. Functions as an emulsifier and dispersing agent in personal care formulations.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
C11-15 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C11-15 Pareth-30
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C11-21 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-13 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-14 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-30
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-15 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C20-22 Pareth-30
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C20-40 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C22-24 Pareth-33
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C30-50 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C40-60 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C9-11 Pareth-3
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Sodium/TEA C12-13 Pareth-3 Sulfate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
TEA-C12-13 Pareth-3 Sulfate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-13 Pareth-3
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C12-15 Pareth-3
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR