What Is Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea?
Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea is a lab made surfactant, meaning it helps water and oil mix so dirt can be lifted away. Chemically it starts with tridecyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol most often sourced from coconut or palm oil. Makers add two units of ethylene oxide to create a short chain of polyethylene glycol, then react it with monoethanolamine to form the carboxamide part of the molecule. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves easily in water and brings gentle cleansing power.
Surfactants like this began gaining popularity in the late 1980s when brands looked for gentler alternatives to older sulfate based cleansers. Because Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea produces a soft creamy lather without stripping skin it soon found its way into everyday personal care items.
You will most often spot it in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, micellar waters, baby bath products, liquid hand soaps, bubble baths, shaving foams, makeup removers and some skin care masks that need a rinse off step. It is usually paired with other mild surfactants to balance feel, foam and thickness.
Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place in formulas because it can wear several hats at once
- Cleansing — Lifts oil, sweat and debris from skin or hair so they rinse away with water leaving a fresh clean feel
- Foam Boosting — Enhances the volume and stability of bubbles giving shampoos and washes a rich satisfying lather that users often link with better cleaning
- Viscosity Controlling — Helps thicken liquid products to the right consistency which means a body wash feels silky instead of runny and a shampoo stays on the hair long enough to do its job
Who Can Use Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea
Because Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea is a mild nonionic surfactant it is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin that struggles with harsher sulfates. Very dry or compromised skin might prefer shorter contact times since any surfactant can pull away some surface lipids with prolonged exposure.
The ingredient is synthesized from fatty alcohols that are usually sourced from coconut or palm along with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide and monoethanolamine. No animal derived materials are involved so products using this raw material can be suitable for vegans and vegetarians, provided the rest of the formula also meets cruelty-free criteria.
No specific warnings appear in the scientific literature for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. The molecule is not known to penetrate deeply or act hormonally. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any personal care product to their healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea is not photosensitizing so it will not increase sun sensitivity. It is also odorless and free from dyes so it rarely conflicts with fragrance allergies or colorant concerns.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea vary from person to person. The points below cover potential reactions that could occur yet are not expected for most users when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin stinging or redness, usually with higher concentrations or prolonged contact
- Dryness or tight feeling if the product is left on the skin for an extended time
- Eye irritation if the foamy product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching rash or swelling
If any discomfort or unusual reaction develops discontinue use and consult a qualified healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off easily and leaves little residue on skin. It is not oily and does not clog pores in standard rinse-off formulas which is why its comedogenic potential is considered very low. Those prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this ingredient without heightened worry, especially in cleansers or shampoos that are washed away.
Because the molecule is designed to mix oil and water any tiny amount left behind is unlikely to harden inside pores. Formulas that pair it with heavy plant oils or butters could still pose a clogging risk from those other ingredients, not from Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea itself.
Summary
Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea works mainly as a cleanser, foam booster and viscosity controller. Its surfactant head attracts water while its fatty tail grabs onto oils which lets dirt lift away, its presence stabilizes bubbles for a creamier lather and it helps thicken liquid washes so they feel rich not runny.
You will spot it in a fair number of mainstream shampoos and body washes though it is not a headline ingredient that gets called out on labels. Brands appreciate it because it offers gentle cleaning and reliable texture at a reasonable cost.
Safety data show a low irritation profile, minimal penetration and almost no comedogenicity which makes it suitable for most skin types. As with any new personal care product a quick patch test on a small area is a smart habit to catch any unexpected sensitivities.