What Is Sodium C13-15 Pareth-8 Phosphate?
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-8 Phosphate is a synthetic surfactant made by reacting fatty alcohols that contain 13 to 15 carbon atoms with eight units of ethylene oxide, then attaching a phosphate group and finally neutralizing the mixture with sodium. The result is a water-soluble ingredient that loves both oil and water, making it ideal for cleansing and mixing purposes. It first gained traction in the late twentieth century when formulators were looking for milder alternatives to traditional sulfates. The phosphate group helps reduce irritation potential while maintaining strong cleaning power, so the ingredient quickly found a home in face washes, body washes, shampoos and micellar waters. Today it also appears in makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs and even some lightweight moisturizers where a gentle but effective surfactant is needed.
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-8 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings multiple performance benefits to personal care formulas
- Cleansing – lowers surface tension so water can mix with oil and dirt, allowing grime to rinse away easily without leaving skin or hair overly stripped
- Emulsifying – helps blend oil and water phases into a stable mixture, improving product texture and ensuring active ingredients are evenly distributed with every use
Who Can Use Sodium C13-15 Pareth-8 Phosphate
Because this surfactant is designed to be milder than many traditional cleansing agents, it is generally suitable for most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and even mildly sensitive skin. Very reactive or eczema-prone skin could still find any surfactant drying if used too often, so those users may want to keep an eye on frequency and overall routine balance.
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-8 Phosphate is made from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic processing steps, not animal ingredients, so it is considered acceptable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current research shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics at the levels found on the market. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products to their routine.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so users do not need special sun precautions beyond the daily sunscreen that dermatologists already recommend.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Sodium C13-15 Pareth-8 Phosphate can differ. The points below outline potential effects, but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin dryness – can occur if the cleanser is left on too long or used too frequently, especially on already dry skin
- Tight or squeaky feel – some users notice a temporarily tight sensation after rinsing, common with many surfactants
- Redness or stinging – rare but possible in very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Eye irritation – may cause mild stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any irritation or discomfort develops stop use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-8 Phosphate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and does not leave an oily residue, so it is very unlikely to block pores. Its cleansing action lifts away sebum rather than sitting on the skin, which is why it earns a low score of 1 instead of a perfect 0. In practice it should be suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind that overall formula design still matters. Heavy oils, waxes or rich butters paired with this surfactant could raise the pore-clogging potential of a finished product even if the surfactant itself is low risk.
Summary
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-8 Phosphate acts as a gentle cleanser and emulsifier by lowering surface tension so water can mix with oils and dirt, then lifting that mixture away from skin or hair. The phosphate group helps curb irritation while the ethoxylated fatty alcohol backbone supplies effective yet mild cleaning power.
It is not as famous as sodium laureth sulfate or coco-glucoside, but it has carved out a niche in sulfate-free face washes, micellar waters and light shampoos where a softer touch is needed.
Current data show it to be safe for most users when properly formulated. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this ingredient before rolling it into a daily routine.