What Is Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid?
Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid is a synthetic surface-active agent made by linking a thirteen-carbon fatty alcohol to approximately seven units of ethylene oxide, then adding a carboxylic acid group to one end of the chain. The fatty alcohol can be sourced from either petrochemical feedstocks or coconut and palm oils, while the ethylene oxide is produced industrially from ethylene gas. The ingredient was developed in the late twentieth century when chemists were looking for milder, more water-soluble surfactants that could handle hard-water conditions better than traditional soaps. Production involves three main steps: purification of the fatty alcohol, controlled ethoxylation to achieve an average of seven oxyethylene units and finally carboxymethylation, which adds the acid group that improves water solubility and skin compatibility.
Because of its balance of oil-loving and water-loving parts, Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid is used in many rinse-off products where efficient but gentle cleansing is needed. You will commonly find it in facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths and liquid hand soaps. It can also appear in make-up removers and exfoliating scrubs where a stable foam and quick rinse are important.
Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for several practical roles that improve how a product works and feels.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature helps lift oil, dirt and make-up from the skin or hair so they can be rinsed away with water, leaving a fresh clean feel without excessive dryness
- Foaming: It creates a creamy, stable lather that spreads the product evenly and gives users a sensory cue that the cleanser is working, which can enhance the overall washing experience
Who Can Use Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid
Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin, because its mild surfactant structure cleans without stripping the moisture barrier. Very dry or compromised skin may prefer formulas that pair it with extra emollients as a purely foaming cleanser can sometimes leave these skin types feeling tight if not balanced with soothing ingredients
The ingredient is synthetic so it involves no animal derived components, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians when used in products from brands that do not test on animals
No published data suggest that Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid poses a special risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Topical exposure leads to minimal systemic absorption and the compound is rinsed off quickly. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still have their doctor review any skincare product they use just to be safe
Unlike exfoliating acids or retinoids, Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid does not increase photosensitivity, so there is no extra need for sun precautions beyond the daily sunscreen that dermatologists already recommend
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential issues but they are not expected to be the typical user experience when the ingredient is formulated correctly
- Transient stinging or tingling, especially on very sensitive or freshly shaved skin
- Mild redness or irritation if the product is left on the skin for an extended period instead of being rinsed off
- Dryness or tightness in users with an already compromised moisture barrier
- Eye irritation if the foaming cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in the rare case of individual hypersensitivity
If any discomfort, redness or swelling develops while using a product that contains Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid the user should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid is an ethoxylated, water-soluble surfactant that readily rinses off rather than sitting in pores. Its fatty chain is balanced by multiple oxyethylene units and a carboxylic acid group, all of which boost solubility and cut its tendency to form films on the skin. Because it is designed to lift away oils rather than leave residue, it has very little potential to clog pores.
With that in mind, the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As with most rinse-off surfactants, the formula as a whole matters: if the product also contains heavy oils or waxes, overall pore-clogging risk could be higher even though Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid itself is low risk.
Summary
Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid acts primarily as a cleanser and foaming agent. Its oil-loving tail dissolves sebum and makeup while its water-loving ethoxylated and carboxylic portions let the loosened grime rinse away cleanly, producing a creamy lather that feels pleasant on skin and hair.
You will see it in a fair number of face washes, body washes, shampoos and micellar waters, although it is not as famous as ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine. Formulators appreciate its mildness and stability so it continues to hold a steady place in modern rinse-off products.
Available safety data show low irritation potential, minimal absorption and no serious health concerns when used as directed. Still, skin is personal so it is always smart to patch test any new product that contains Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid to confirm it suits your individual tolerance.