What Is Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate?
Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate is a synthetic cleansing agent made by attaching three units of ethylene oxide to medium-chain fatty alcohols that contain 13 to 15 carbon atoms, then adding a sulfate group and neutralizing it with sodium. The result is a water-soluble powder or paste that excels at grabbing oil and lifting away dirt. The fatty alcohols used today are usually derived from petroleum or coconut and palm oils that have been refined to a high purity. This ingredient started appearing in personal care formulas in the late twentieth century as chemists searched for surfactants that create rich foam yet feel milder than older sulfate options like sodium lauryl sulfate. Production begins with the fatty alcohols, which go through ethoxylation in the presence of a catalyst, followed by sulfation with a sulfur trioxide complex, then neutralization with sodium hydroxide. You will most often see Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths and occasionally in toothpaste or liquid hand soaps where strong yet gentle cleansing is needed.
Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its main job in cosmetics is cleansing. By lowering the surface tension of water, it helps rinse away sebum, makeup, sweat and environmental grime, leaving skin and hair feeling fresh and free of residue. It also generates a dense lather that spreads the product evenly and boosts the sensory experience, which can encourage thorough washing and improve overall hygiene.
Who Can Use Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 SulfateThis surfactant works well for normal, oily and combination skin because it breaks down excess sebum without leaving a heavy residue. People with very dry or easily irritated skin might find it a bit too cleansing; the ingredient can strip natural lipids that delicate skin needs to stay comfortable. In hair care it suits most scalps but may feel harsh on chronically dry or damaged strands.
The raw materials are either petroleum derived or sourced from coconut and palm oils so no animal ingredients are involved, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Manufacturers still need to verify that the finished product was not tested on animals if that is a concern.
Current safety assessments show no special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding users when the ingredient is used at the low levels found in rinse-off cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review all skincare products with a healthcare professional to be safe.
Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most other common cleansing agents and preservatives so there are no noteworthy interaction warnings beyond watching overall formula strength for sensitive skin.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential issues and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Skin tightness or dryness after rinsing
- Redness or stinging on sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific surfactant sensitivity
- Mild eye irritation if the lather accidentally gets into the eyes
- Fading of fresh hair color when used in shampoos on dyed hair
If any discomfort or irritation occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
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Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate is highly water soluble and rinses off completely, leaving no oily film that could block pores. It does not contain fatty acids or heavy emollients, so it has virtually no tendency to contribute to comedone formation.
Because of this low clogging potential, it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
No published data suggest it aggravates fungal acne, and its rapid rinse-off profile further lowers any pore-blocking risk.
Summary
Sodium C13-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate is a synthetic surfactant whose main role is cleansing. It lowers water’s surface tension so oils, dirt and product buildup lift away easily, and it creates a rich foam that spreads the formula evenly for thorough rinsing.
While not as famous as sodium laureth sulfate, it shows up in many mass-market shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers because formulators appreciate its balance of strong cleansing with a milder feel.
Safety reviews find it non-toxic and non-sensitizing at the low percentages used in rinse-off products. Still, skin can react unpredictably, so patch testing any new product containing this ingredient is a smart precaution.