What Is Tridecylbenzenesulfonic Acid?
Tridecylbenzenesulfonic acid is a synthetic surfactant created by attaching a long, 13-carbon alkyl chain (tridecyl) to a benzene ring that carries a sulfonic acid group. The combination of an oily tail and a water-loving head makes the molecule highly effective at lifting dirt and oils from skin and hair.
First developed in the mid-20th century for industrial cleaning, it soon caught the attention of cosmetic chemists looking for stronger yet cost-effective cleansing agents. Over time, its performance and stability earned it a place in personal care formulas.
The ingredient is produced through a sulfonation process: tridecylbenzene is reacted with sulfur trioxide or sulfuric acid, forming the sulfonic acid group. The resulting material is then neutralized or blended as needed for specific products.
You will most often see tridecylbenzenesulfonic acid in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, hand soaps and exfoliating masks where robust lather and deep cleansing are desired.
Tridecylbenzenesulfonic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulations this ingredient plays a supporting yet crucial role
- Cleansing: Breaks down oil, makeup and daily grime so they rinse away easily, leaving skin and hair feeling fresh
- Foaming: Generates a rich lather that spreads the product evenly and gives users the sensory cue that the cleanser is working
Who Can Use Tridecylbenzenesulfonic Acid
This surfactant works best for normal, oily and combination skin that tolerates deeper cleansing. Dry or sensitive skin may find it too harsh because it can strip away natural oils and disturb the skin barrier.
The material is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived components, so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards.
Current safety assessments consider it acceptable for topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used at the low levels found in finished cosmetics. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before introducing a new product.
Tridecylbenzenesulfonic Acid is not known to cause photosensitivity, and no special sun-related precautions are needed.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential issues and, when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product, most people will experience none of them.
- Dryness or tightness from removal of protective skin lipids
- Redness or stinging on sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to sulfonate surfactants
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Fading of hair color or increased frizz in over-cleansed hair
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Tridecylbenzenesulfonic Acid is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses away completely and does not leave an oily residue that could block pores. Because it is designed to remove sebum rather than deposit heavy emollients, its tendency to clog pores is very low, earning it a rating of 1. Those with acne-prone or breakout-prone skin can generally use products containing this ingredient without added risk of new comedones. The only caveat is that over-cleansing can provoke increased oil production in some individuals, which is an indirect rather than a true comedogenic effect.
Summary
Tridecylbenzenesulfonic Acid is a synthetic surfactant valued for two core functions: cleansing and foaming. Its long hydrophobic tail grabs onto oils and grime while the sulfonic acid head stays attracted to water, allowing dirt to lift away when the product is rinsed. This same structure also traps air to create a satisfying lather that helps spread the formula across skin and hair.
The ingredient is moderately popular in mass-market cleansers and shampoos because it delivers strong cleaning power at a low cost, though gentler surfactants have taken some market share as consumers look for milder options.
Current safety reviews deem it safe at the concentrations used in personal care products, with irritation being the main concern for sensitive skin. As with any new product, performing a small patch test before full use is a good practice to ensure individual tolerance.