What Is Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate?
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate is a synthetic cleansing agent made from plant or petroleum derived fatty alcohols that have chain lengths between 13 and 15 carbon atoms. These alcohols are first reacted with around three units of ethylene oxide, which tacks on small water-loving pieces. The new molecule is then treated with sulfuric acid to add a sulfate group and finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide, creating a water-soluble salt that foams well and lifts away oil and dirt.
The ingredient appeared in the late 1900s as formulators searched for cleansers that could match the lather of sodium lauryl sulfate but feel milder on skin and hair. By tweaking the carbon chain length and adding just a few ethylene oxide units, chemists produced a surfactant that balances cleaning power with a softer afterfeel, so it quickly found a place in everyday personal care formulas.
Today you will spot Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate in rinse-off products that need rich, quick foam such as shampoos, body washes, liquid hand soaps, facial cleansers, bath foams and some micellar waters. It can also appear in exfoliating scrubs and shaving creams where a stable lather makes the formula easier to spread.
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main purpose in cosmetics
- Cleansing: As a surfactant it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, sweat and everyday grime can mix with rinse water and wash away. It produces dense foam that helps users feel the product is working while also dispersing other ingredients evenly across skin or hair
Who Can Use Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate
Most skin types can tolerate Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate in rinse off products. Normal, oily and combination skin generally handle it well because it removes excess oil without leaving heavy residue. People with very dry, eczema prone or highly sensitive skin might find it a bit stripping since the surfactant can pull away protective lipids, so they may prefer milder cleansers or formulas buffered with extra moisturizers.
The ingredient is synthetic or plant derived with no animal sourced components so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It is also cruelty free when produced by suppliers that do not test on animals.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in wash off cosmetics. It is not absorbed significantly through intact skin. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also considered color safe for dyed hair since it lacks strong sulfate radicals found in harsher cleansers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate can vary by individual. The list below covers potential issues yet most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product.
- Dryness or tight feeling on skin, especially with frequent washing
- Redness or mild stinging on sensitive or compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the lather gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching or rash
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5. Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that does not leave an oily or waxy film on skin, so it has virtually no tendency to clog pores. It is therefore considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts. Because it is almost always used in rinse-off products, any brief contact it has with skin is further reduced when the product is washed away, keeping the likelihood of pore blockage extremely low.
Summary
Sodium C13-15 Pareth-3 Sulfate is used mainly for cleansing. Its balanced carbon chain and small number of ethoxy groups let it grab onto oils then dissolve in water, creating a stable foam that lifts dirt and grime so they can be rinsed away. This effective yet milder action compared with older sulfates has made it a frequent pick in shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers, though it still trails behind ultra-gentle surfactants in very sensitive skin formulas.
Safety reviews have found it low risk when used in wash-off products with minimal skin absorption, and irritation is uncommon outside of very dry or compromised skin. As with any new cosmetic product, patch testing is a smart step to confirm personal tolerance.