What Is Steareth-13?
Steareth-13 is a non-ionic surfactant made by attaching about 13 units of ethylene oxide to stearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that usually comes from vegetable oils like coconut or palm or from synthetic sources. This process, called ethoxylation, turns the waxy stearyl alcohol into a water-loving ingredient that mixes well with both oils and water.
Non-ionic surfactants such as Steareth-13 rose to popularity in the 1970s when formulators were looking for milder options than traditional soaps. Its balanced oil-and-water profile made it a favorite for modern lotions and creams, and it remains common today because it is gentle, stable and easy to formulate with.
You will often spot Steareth-13 in everyday products such as facial cleansers, makeup removers, moisturizers, sunscreens, hair conditioners, sheet masks and anti-aging serums. It helps these products keep a smooth texture, stay mixed and rinse off cleanly.
Steareth-13’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas Steareth-13 brings two main benefits that improve how a product looks, feels and performs
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away dirt, oil and leftover makeup so the product rinses off without leaving a heavy residue
- Emulsifying: It keeps oil and water blended, preventing the formula from separating and giving lotions and creams a stable silky feel
Who Can Use Steareth-13
Steareth-13 is generally considered suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive, because it is a mild non-ionic surfactant that does not strip the skin of moisture. Those with extremely sensitive or compromised skin should still monitor how their skin feels, as any surfactant can be drying if used in high concentrations.
The ingredient is usually vegan-friendly since most manufacturers derive the stearyl alcohol from plant oils or create it synthetically. Anyone following a strict vegan or vegetarian lifestyle should still check with the brand in case animal-derived sources are used.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Steareth-13 is applied topically in cosmetic amounts. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a healthcare professional review any product they plan to use, just to be safe.
Steareth-13 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered a photosensitizer. It also does not interfere with common active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C or exfoliating acids, making it easy to layer within most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Steareth-13 can vary. The following list covers potential side effects that could occur, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation – a temporary stinging or itching sensation, more likely in people with very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis – rare allergic response that can result in redness, swelling or small bumps
- Eye irritation – possible if a product containing Steareth-13 gets into the eyes
- Dryness – over-cleansing with surfactant-rich products may leave skin feeling tight or dehydrated
- Trace contaminant concerns – in theory ethoxylated ingredients can contain 1,4-dioxane residuals, but reputable manufacturers remove these to meet safety guidelines
If you experience any adverse reaction discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Steareth-13 is highly water soluble and used at low levels, so it does not linger on the skin or clog pores. Its ethoxylated structure makes it far less greasy than raw fatty alcohols. For most people, including those prone to breakouts, it is unlikely to trigger acne. As with any ingredient, the overall formula and how often it is used can influence pore congestion.
Summary
Steareth-13 works as a mild cleanser and an effective emulsifier by surrounding oil droplets with its water-loving ethylene oxide chains while its fatty stearyl tail anchors to oils. This dual nature lets products rinse cleanly yet stay smooth and stable.
It is a familiar sight in modern lotions, cleansers and sunscreens because it is reliable, easy to formulate with and cost effective, though newer green emulsifiers have taken some market share.
Current research and regulatory reviews find Steareth-13 safe at the levels used in cosmetics, with irritation or allergy reports being rare. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so perform a patch test when trying a new product that contains this ingredient.