What Is Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate?
Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate is a synthetic surfactant created by taking a fatty alcohol with 13 carbon atoms, adding 19 units of ethylene oxide to make trideceth-19, converting the end of the chain into a carboxylic acid and finally neutralizing it with potassium hydroxide. The result is a water-soluble salt that loves both oil and water, making it ideal for lifting away dirt and excess sebum. Surfactants like this began gaining traction in the late 20th century when brands looked for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. As cosmetic chemists refined ethoxylated fatty alcohols they discovered that combining them with potassium produced gentle yet effective cleansers, and Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate found its way into modern formulas.
Today you can spot it in micellar waters, facial cleansers, makeup removers, foaming masks, shampoos, body washes and baby washes. Its ability to create a stable, low-irritation lather makes it a popular choice in products that promise a soft cleanse without stripping the skin or hair.
Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Although this ingredient performs one primary job it does that job exceptionally well.
It functions as a cleansing agent that lowers surface tension so water can spread easily over skin or hair, surround oils and impurities then rinse them away. By forming micelles it helps dissolve makeup, sunscreen and everyday grime while producing a light foam that consumers associate with cleanliness. Its mild nature supports gentle formulas suitable for sensitive skin, leaving a refreshed feeling without the tightness often caused by harsher detergents.
Who Can Use Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate
This surfactant is gentle enough for most skin types including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin. People with very dry or compromised skin may want to pair it with richer moisturizers because cleansers that rely heavily on any surfactant can sometimes leave their skin feeling a bit tight if the overall formula lacks replenishing ingredients.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and contains no animal by-products so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
No studies show a specific risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when using products that contain Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run their skincare routine past a qualified healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
It does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. As long as the finished product is well-balanced it is also safe for color-treated hair and chemically relaxed hair.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate can vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions that could occur, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated correctly and used as directed.
- Temporary dryness or tightness, especially on very dry skin
- Mild redness or irritation on highly sensitive skin
- Stinging or watering if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or a rash
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate is fully water soluble and designed to rinse off without leaving a greasy film, so it has virtually no chance of blocking pores. Because it is typically used in wash-off products it spends little contact time on skin, further reducing any clogging risk. This makes it suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Since the ingredient is almost always part of a blend of surfactants, any potential for pore congestion usually comes from the rest of the formula, not this cleansing agent itself.
Summary
Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate is a mild synthetic surfactant that loosens dirt, oil and makeup by forming micelles, allowing the grime to be rinsed away easily. Its balanced oil-and-water affinity lets it cleanse effectively while keeping irritation low.
You will mainly find it in gentle facial cleansers, micellar waters and baby washes. It is not the most famous name on ingredient lists, yet formulators value it for dependable performance in sensitive-skin products.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation or pore clogging when used as directed, and regulations permit it at standard cleansing concentrations. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a quick patch test before full use just to be sure your skin agrees with the whole formula.