What Is Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate?
Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate is the salt formed when tridecylbenzenesulfonic acid reacts with triethanolamine, a plant- and petroleum-derived amino alcohol often shortened to TEA. The result is a water-soluble compound that behaves like a surfactant, meaning it can mix oil and water. Chemists first explored sulfonated aromatic chains like this in the mid-20th century while searching for gentler yet effective soap alternatives. As cosmetic science shifted toward sulfate-free formulas, Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate gained ground because it delivers good cleansing power with a milder profile than traditional sulfates.
The ingredient is made by sulfonating an alkylbenzene that has a 13-carbon side chain, then neutralizing the acidic mixture with triethanolamine. The final material is a clear to amber liquid that disperses easily in water, allowing manufacturers to add it late in production without extra heating steps.
You will most often see Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate in face and body cleansers, micellar waters, shampoo, bubble baths, hand soaps and occasionally in clay or cream masks where a light foaming action helps rinse the product away cleanly. It is less common in leave-on moisturizers or serums because its main role is to lift dirt and oil that are then washed off.
Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its value in a formula comes from one primary function
Cleansing: As a surfactant, Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate lowers the surface tension of water so it can spread and penetrate better, grabbing onto oils, makeup, sunscreen and everyday grime. When the product is rinsed away, these impurities go with it, leaving skin or hair feeling clean without the tight after-feel some harsher detergents cause.
Who Can Use Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate
This surfactant suits most skin and scalp types, especially normal, oily and combination, because it removes excess sebum without the stripping feel of stronger detergents. Very dry or compromised skin may find it a little too cleansing if used daily, so a richer follow-up moisturizer is advisable in those cases.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant and petroleum sources and contains no animal-derived material, making it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians.
No research flags Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should confirm product choices with their physician to be safe.
The compound does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance-free and paraben-free, qualities that may appeal to sensitive users who monitor those additives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate vary from person to person. The effects below are only possibilities and most people will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Dryness or tight skin due to its oil-lifting action, more noticeable on very dry or mature skin
- Mild irritation or redness on sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Stinging if product enters the eyes common to many surfactants
- Allergic contact dermatitis rare but possible in individuals allergic to sulfonates or triethanolamine derivatives
- Increased frizz in hair if used in high concentrations without conditioning agents
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 — Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate is a water-soluble surfactant that does not leave behind oily residues that can block pores. Because it is almost always used in rinse-off formulas and has a relatively large molecular size compared with fatty acids that tend to clog follicles, its likelihood of triggering comedones is very low. This makes it generally acceptable for people who struggle with acne or frequent breakouts.
On the off chance a cleanser pairs this ingredient with heavy oils or butters, the overall product could still feel pore-clogging, but that would be due to the other ingredients rather than the surfactant itself.
Summary
Tea-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate’s main job is cleansing. As an anionic surfactant it lowers water’s surface tension, surrounds oil and dirt particles, then allows them to be rinsed away so skin and hair feel fresh yet not overly stripped.
It sits in the middle of the popularity scale: less ubiquitous than traditional sulfates yet gaining traction in sulfate-free shampoos, gentle face washes and micellar formulas where formulators want solid foam with a milder touch.
Current safety data shows it is well tolerated in rinse-off products with only a small risk of irritation for those with very sensitive or compromised skin. As with any new cosmetic, do a quick patch test before full use just to be safe.