What Is Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate?
Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is the cosmetic name for bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium C12-13 alkyl sulfate, a surface-active agent derived from medium-chain fatty alcohols that usually come from coconut or palm kernel oil. These fatty alcohols are reacted with sulfuric acid to create an alkyl sulfate, then neutralized with diethanolamine to form the final salt. The result is a yellowish liquid that mixes readily with water and helps oils disperse.
Sulfate surfactants entered personal care in the mid-20th century when formulators looked for affordable substitutes for traditional soap. By adding diethanolamine to the classic sodium or ammonium alkyl sulfate, chemists discovered they could lower irritation and improve foam stability, which led to Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate’s adoption in shampoos and other rinse-off products.
Today the ingredient appears most often in everyday cleansers such as shampoos, shower gels, hand soaps, facial washes and bubble baths. It may also show up in scrubs, makeup removers and even some household detergents where mildness and rich lather are priorities.
Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays one main role in formulations.
As a cleansing agent, Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and sweat can lift away more easily. It creates a dense creamy lather that spreads grime evenly for efficient rinsing, leaving skin and hair feeling clean without the squeaky dryness sometimes linked to harsher sulfates.
Who Can Use Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate
Most skin types tolerate Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate well, particularly normal oily and combination skins that appreciate a thorough yet gentle cleanse. People with very dry or highly sensitive skin may find any sulfate a bit stripping if used frequently so they might prefer formulas where this ingredient is blended with extra emollients or milder co-surfactants.
The compound is produced from plant-sourced fatty alcohols and contains no animal derivatives so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should double-check every product with a healthcare professional.
Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate does not increase photosensitivity so there is no special sun-related caution beyond standard daily SPF use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to any topical ingredient differ from person to person. The points below outline potential effects that could occur in rare cases. When used in a properly formulated product most users will not notice these issues.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, usually with prolonged contact or on already compromised skin
- Dryness or tightness if the cleanser is overused or not followed with moisturizer, especially on dry or mature skin
- Eye irritation if the lather gets into the eyes during washing
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sensitivity to diethanolamine or sulfates
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1
Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is a water-soluble cleansing surfactant with no oily or waxy residue, so it does not sit inside pores or harden on the skin the way heavier fats or butters can. Because it is almost always used in rinse-off formulas that stay on the skin or scalp for less than a minute, any tiny possibility of pore blockage is further minimized. For these reasons the ingredient earns a practical score of 0 to 1 on the standard 0-5 comedogenic scale.
That low score means the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any cleanser, the final product’s overall pore-clogging potential depends on the full formula, so heavier conditioners or occlusive additives paired with this surfactant could change how acne-friendly the finished product feels.
Summary
Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is a plant-derived surfactant whose chief job is cleansing. It lowers water’s surface tension, lifts oils and dirt, then rinses away cleanly to leave skin and hair fresh but not overly stripped. This ability to create rich stable foam at a modest cost explains why the ingredient is common in everyday shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers, though it is less talked about than better-known sulfates like SLS or SLES.
Current safety reviews place it in the low-risk category for rinse-off use, with only mild irritation possible in sensitive users. While most people can use products containing Dea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate without worry, it is always wise to patch-test any new formula to make sure it agrees with your individual skin.