What Is Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate?
Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate is the potassium salt form of trideceth-4 carboxylic acid, a compound created by modifying a synthetic alcohol that contains thirteen carbon atoms. When this alcohol is reacted with ethylene oxide it gains four ethoxy units, and a further reaction introduces a carboxylic acid group. Finally the acid is neutralized with potassium hydroxide to yield the water-soluble salt used in cosmetics.
Surfactants like this one began appearing in personal care formulas in the late twentieth century as manufacturers looked for mild yet effective cleansers that perform well in hard water. Advances in ethoxylation and neutralization techniques made it possible to tailor the length of the carbon chain and the number of ethoxy groups, giving formulators precise control over cleansing strength and skin feel.
Today Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate is most often found in rinse-off products where gentle but thorough cleansing is needed. You may see it listed on ingredient labels for facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup remover solutions and some shampoo blends. It is prized for producing a soft low-to-moderate foam that rinses easily without leaving a heavy residue.
Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one key role in a formulation
As a cleansing agent it lowers the surface tension of water so oils dirt and makeup lift away from skin or hair. Because it is milder than many traditional sulfates it helps create products that clean effectively while respecting the skin barrier, making formulas feel less stripping and suitable for daily use.
Who Can Use Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate
Because Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate is a mild surfactant it works for most skin types, including normal, oily and combination skin. People with sensitive or acne-prone skin usually tolerate it well since it does not contain harsh sulfates. Those with very dry or eczema-prone skin might find frequent use a bit drying if the formula lacks replenishing ingredients, so a follow-up moisturizer is recommended.
The ingredient is produced from synthetic raw materials and contains no animal-derived substances, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check that the finished product is certified cruelty free if that is important to you.
Topical use is considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare products past a qualified healthcare provider just to be on the safe side.
Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not known to cause photosensitivity. No other special precautions are generally needed beyond normal good skincare practices.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate can vary from person to person. The following list highlights potential side effects that are unlikely to be the typical experience when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Temporary dryness or tightness
- Mild stinging or redness on very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or rash
If you experience any of the above reactions discontinue use and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that lifts oils away rather than depositing them, so it has little tendency to block pores. It contains no heavy oils or waxes and rinses off cleanly which keeps its comedogenic potential very low.
Because of this low rating it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
No additional pore-clogging concerns have been documented, even when it is used daily in rinse-off products.
Summary
Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate serves mainly as a gentle cleanser. Its surfactant structure lowers surface tension letting water mix with oil and debris then whisking everything away in the rinse. The balance of a 13-carbon chain and four ethoxy groups gives it enough cleansing power without harshness so formulas feel mild on skin and hair.
It is not the most famous ingredient on store shelves but formulators value it for producing soft foam and reliable performance in micellar waters, face washes, body cleansers and some shampoos. You might not see it advertised on the front label yet it quietly appears in many modern gentle cleansers.
Safety profiles show it is low-risk for irritation or pore clogging when used as directed. Still, skin can be unpredictable, so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains Potassium Trideceth-4 Carboxylate, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.