What Is Sodium/Tea C12-13 Pareth-3 Sulfate?
Sodium/TEA C12-13 pareth-3 sulfate is a blend of two salts made from fatty alcohols that come mainly from coconut or palm oil. These fatty alcohols are first reacted with a small amount of ethylene oxide to create C12-13 Pareth-3, then treated with sulfur trioxide to form a sulfate ester. Finally the acidic sulfate is neutralized with sodium hydroxide and triethanolamine, giving a balanced mix of sodium and TEA salts. The result is a water-soluble powder or liquid that disperses quickly when added to a formula.
The ingredient started to appear in personal care products in the late 1990s when brands looked for cleansing agents that were milder than traditional sulfates but still easy to process in large batches. Its balanced salt blend offers good performance over a wide pH range, which made it popular in rinse-off products.
Sodium/TEA C12-13 pareth-3 sulfate is produced in large-scale reactors under controlled temperature and pressure. After neutralization the finished material is filtered, quality checked and either shipped as a concentrated paste or pre-diluted for easier handling.
You will most often find it in face cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, exfoliating masks and some anti-aging formulas that need a gentle foaming base to remove daily grime without stripping the skin.
Sodium/Tea C12-13 Pareth-3 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for one key role in skincare and haircare formulas.
As a skin conditioning agent Sodium/TEA C12-13 pareth-3 sulfate helps the skin feel soft and smooth after rinsing. While it lifts away oil and dirt it also deposits a thin moisturising layer that reduces the tight or squeaky feeling sometimes linked to stronger cleansers. The conditioning effect can improve the overall sensory experience of a product making daily washing routines more comfortable for a wider range of skin types.
Who Can Use Sodium/Tea C12-13 Pareth-3 Sulfate
Most skin types, including normal, oily and combination, tolerate this ingredient well thanks to its mild cleansing action and light conditioning touch. Sensitive or very dry skin may still prefer shorter contact times or formulas blended with extra moisturisers if they find foaming agents irritating.
The raw materials typically come from coconut or palm oil and no animal by-products are involved in standard manufacturing so the ingredient is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always cruelty-free status depends on the finished brand’s policies.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because systemic absorption from rinse-off products is extremely low. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional to stay on the safe side.
Sodium/TEA C12-13 pareth-3 sulfate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it carries no added risk of sunburn or pigmentation when used as directed.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium/Tea C12-13 Pareth-3 Sulfate differ from person to person. The points below list possible but uncommon side effects when the ingredient is used in properly formulated cosmetics. Most users will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild skin redness or stinging particularly on already irritated skin
- Dryness or tight feel if the formula lacks additional emollients or if used very frequently
- Eye irritation if the lather enters the eyes during washing
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases for individuals with a personal sensitivity to sulfate esters
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. Sodium/TEA C12-13 pareth-3 sulfate is a water-soluble cleansing agent that rinses completely from the skin and leaves no oily or waxy residue able to clog pores. Its molecules are designed to lift away sebum rather than sit on the surface so it poses almost no risk of blocking follicles. Because of this non-occlusive nature it is generally considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
No published data link this ingredient to increased comedone formation even at higher use levels in face or body washes. Any breakout that appears after use is more likely tied to other formula components or individual skin fluctuations.
Summary
Sodium/TEA C12-13 pareth-3 sulfate acts as a gentle cleanser that also conditions the skin. It dissolves in water, lathers, lifts away dirt and oil then leaves behind a light conditioning film that helps skin feel smooth rather than stripped.
Its balanced salt blend delivers reliable foam and mildness so it shows up in a fair number of mainstream cleansers though it is not as famous as older sulfates like SLS. Brands choose it when they want cleansing power with less irritation risk.
Current safety reviews find it low risk in rinse-off products with rare reports of irritation. Still every skin is different so performing a quick patch test with any new product that contains this ingredient is a smart way to avoid surprises.