What Is Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate?
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate is a synthetic ingredient created when a fatty alcohol with 13 carbon atoms is reacted with ethylene oxide about 15 times, then capped with a carboxylic acid group and neutralized with sodium. The result is a water-soluble molecule that has an oil-loving tail on one end and a water-loving head on the other. Chemists began exploring this class of materials in the mid-20th century while searching for gentler alternatives to traditional soap. Over time, the trideceth family gained popularity because it cleans well yet produces less irritation than harsher sulfates. Today the ingredient is made in large reactors where temperature, pressure and pH are carefully controlled to guide the ethoxylation and carboxylation steps, followed by purification and spray drying into a free-flowing powder or concentrated liquid. You will most often see Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate in facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, shampoo, makeup removers and exfoliating masks where a mild yet effective cleansing action is needed.
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one primary purpose in personal care formulas.
As a cleansing agent it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and makeup can be lifted away and rinsed off easily. Its balanced structure allows it to remove grime without stripping skin or hair of all natural lipids, helping products feel gentle while still leaving a fresh clean finish.
Who Can Use Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate
Thanks to its mild cleansing profile this ingredient is generally suitable for every skin type including oily, dry, combination and sensitive. People with very reactive or compromised skin may still want to watch for any tightness simply because any surfactant can over-cleanse if left on too long or used in high amounts.
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate is produced from petroleum-derived feedstocks, not animal sources, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Current safety data do not flag special concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run all skincare products by a doctor just to be safe.
The molecule does not absorb UV light so it is not known to trigger photosensitivity. It is also non-comedogenic and rinses away cleanly which makes it a handy option for acne-prone users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate can differ from one person to another. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation – may occur if the product is left on the skin for prolonged periods or if concentrations are high
- Dryness or tightness – possible in very dry or eczema-prone skin when used frequently without a follow-up moisturizer
- Eye stinging – can happen if cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare sensitization leading to redness itching or rash
- Interaction irritation – combined use with other strong surfactants or exfoliating acids can heighten overall skin stress
If any irritation or unusual reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 – Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate is a fully water-soluble surfactant that rinses off without leaving an oily or waxy film, so it does not block pores or encourage acne lesions. Its molecular structure is designed to stay dispersed in water and it is used at low percentages, further reducing any clogging risk. This makes it suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
No notable interactions with sebum oxidation or follicular keratin have been reported, so comedogenic concerns remain minimal even in products that stay on the skin briefly such as micellar waters.
Summary
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate is mainly a cleansing agent that loosens oil, dirt and makeup by lowering water’s surface tension. Its balanced oil-loving tail and water-loving head let it surround grime then carry it away when rinsed, giving a clean feel without stripping skin or hair.
The ingredient is not a household name like sulfates or coco-glucoside, yet formulators value it for delivering gentle foam and reliable rinse-off which keeps it present in many modern face and body cleansers.
Current safety reviews show a low irritation profile and virtually no long-term health concerns. Still, skin is personal so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this or any other surfactant to rule out individual sensitivity.