What Is Potassium Trideceth-3 Carboxylate?
Potassium trideceth-3 carboxylate is the potassium salt of trideceth-3 carboxylic acid, a synthetic molecule built from a 13-carbon fatty alcohol chain that has been reacted with three units of ethylene oxide. After ethoxylation, the material is oxidized to create a carboxylic acid, then neutralized with potassium hydroxide to form the water-soluble salt used in cosmetics. This type of gentle surfactant began showing up in personal care formulas in the mid-1990s when brands looked for milder alternatives to traditional soaps.
The ingredient is produced in large stainless-steel reactors where the fatty alcohol first undergoes controlled ethoxylation. The resulting trideceth-3 is then treated with an oxidizing agent to add the carboxyl group, followed by a simple neutralization step that yields the final potassium salt. Each stage is carefully monitored to keep by-products low and purity high.
Because of its ability to dissolve oils while staying kind to skin, you will most often see potassium trideceth-3 carboxylate in face cleansers, body washes and shampoos. It can also appear in micellar waters, baby washes and make-up removers where a mild yet effective cleansing action is needed.
Potassium Trideceth-3 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas this ingredient has one main job.
Cleansing: As a mild surfactant it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and product residue can be lifted away and rinsed off. It creates a light creamy lather, helps solubilize fragrance and other oily ingredients and leaves skin or hair feeling clean without a tight stripped sensation.
Who Can Use Potassium Trideceth-3 Carboxylate
This mild surfactant is generally suitable for oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin because it cleans without stripping the natural moisture barrier. Those with severe eczema or broken skin should still choose gentle formulas and monitor for any irritation.
Potassium trideceth-3 carboxylate is produced entirely from synthetic or plant-derived feedstocks and contains no animal components making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data indicates no known risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in rinse-off products. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare products with a qualified doctor to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not considered photosensitizing. It is also soap-free and sulfate-free which can be helpful for color-treated hair or delicate skin.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Potassium Trideceth-3 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The points below list potential but unlikely side effects when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished cosmetic.
- Mild skin irritation transient redness or itching can occur on very dry or compromised skin
- Eye stinging possible if cleanser accidentally enters the eyes
- Contact allergy rare rash or hives in individuals sensitized to ethoxylated surfactants
- Excessive dryness when high concentrations are combined with other strong cleansers or used too frequently
If any of these effects appear discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Potassium trideceth-3 carboxylate is water-soluble and completely rinses away, leaving no oily film that could clog pores. It lacks fatty acids known to block follicles and is used at low percentages in rinse-off products, which further lowers any chance of buildup. For these reasons its comedogenic potential is considered negligible.
Because of this very low rating the ingredient is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
No special storage or formulation quirks influence its pore-clogging risk, so its rating stays consistent across most cleansers and shampoos that contain it.
Summary
Potassium trideceth-3 carboxylate is a mild synthetic surfactant whose main job is cleansing. By lowering water’s surface tension it lifts oils dirt and makeup then rinses clean without stripping skin or hair.
You will see it in face washes body washes micellar waters and baby products, though it is not as famous as sulfates or coco-based surfactants. Brands that focus on gentle or sulfate-free formulas reach for it more often, so its popularity is steady rather than blockbuster.
Current research and decades of use show it to be safe for most skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin with minimal risk of irritation or pore clogging. As always when trying a new product, perform a quick patch test to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.