Compositions, methods, and resins using alkyl aldehydes and phenols are provided herein. In one embodiment, a composition comprising an alkylphenol resin can be prepared by condensing at least one phenolic monomer selected from the group consisting of phenol, cresol, resorcinol, xylenol, ethyl phenol, alkylresorcinols, and combinations thereof; and at least one alkyl aldehyde having from 5 to 12 carbon atom alkyl groups. The alkylphenol resins of the application are free of octylphenol or nonylphenol monomers. In one embodiment, the alkylphenol resins may be prepared using formaldehyde, and alternatively, in another embodiment, the alkylphenol resins may be prepared without the use of formaldehyde. The process to make these new alternative alkylphenol resins is a cost effective process and easy to scale-up.