What Is Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate?
Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient made by joining a fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm oil with six units of ethylene oxide, then neutralizing the result with phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide. The finished material is a mild surfactant that mixes oil and water with ease. It first appeared in personal care formulas during the late 1990s when brands searched for gentler alternatives to older, harsher cleansing agents. Today manufacturers create it in controlled reactors where temperature and pressure help the raw materials combine evenly, giving a stable liquid that is ready to blend into skincare bases.
You will most often find Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoo, body wash, bubble bath, makeup remover and exfoliating masks. Its balanced performance also lets formulators add it to modern hybrid products like cleansing balms or lotion-type face washes that promise soft skin after rinsing.
Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for one main job in beauty products
As a cleansing agent Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate loosens dirt, makeup and excess oil so they can be rinsed away with water. Because it is milder than traditional sulfates it helps create a formula that cleans without stripping the skin or hair, leaving a fresh comfortable feel after use.
Who Can Use Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate
Most skin types can tolerate Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate without trouble. Its gentle cleansing action suits normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin because it lifts grime while respecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Extremely dry or eczema-prone skin should watch for any tightness after use since any surfactant can be a bit too effective at removing lipids when overused.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant-derived fatty alcohols and mineral sources, with no animal by-products involved, so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current research has not shown any specific risks tied to topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified health professional before adding it to a routine.
Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no known interactions with common active ingredients or prescription topicals.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate can vary from person to person. The following points outline potential side effects but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at the concentrations typically found in cosmetics.
- Irritation: Mild redness or stinging may occur on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Dryness: Overuse can temporarily strip natural oils leading to a tight or flaky feeling
- Eye discomfort: If a cleanser gets into the eyes it can cause watering or slight burning until rinsed out
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Rare cases of itching swelling or rash have been reported in individuals with specific sensitivities to ethoxylated surfactants
If any of these effects develop discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate is a highly water-soluble cleansing surfactant that rinses off completely, so it has little chance to sit in pores and form blockages. Its molecular structure is larger than typical pore-clogging lipids and lacks heavy oils or waxes, which keeps the comedogenic potential low. A rating of 1 reflects that while virtually non-pore-clogging for most users, a handful of very reactive or acne-prone individuals could still notice issues when the ingredient is used in rich formulations or not rinsed thoroughly.
Overall this ingredient is considered suitable for skin prone to acne or breakouts.
Summary
Potassium Trideceth-6 Phosphate is primarily a gentle cleansing agent that lifts dirt makeup and excess oil then washes away cleanly thanks to its water-loving phosphate group. This action helps formulators create face and body cleansers that feel mild yet effective even for sensitive skin.
While not a headline star like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide it enjoys steady popularity behind the scenes in many mainstream and indie rinse-off products because it offers dependable performance without the harshness of older sulfates.
Current research and marketplace use show it to be low risk with only occasional reports of mild irritation or dryness. As with any new skincare ingredient it is still wise to perform a quick patch test when trying a product that contains it just to be on the safe side.