What Is Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate?
Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate is a synthetic surfactant made by reacting medium-chain fatty alcohols (those with 11 to 15 carbon atoms) with a small amount of ethylene oxide, then neutralizing the resulting sulfate with triethanolamine. This creates a water-soluble salt that behaves well in both oil and water. The ingredient was introduced in the late twentieth century when formulators were searching for milder, more versatile cleansing agents than traditional soap. Its ease of manufacture, reliable performance and compatibility with a wide pH range helped it gain traction in personal care labs.
Production starts with petro- or plant-derived fatty alcohols. These alcohols are ethoxylated to insert a single ethylene oxide group, sulfated to attach a sulfate group then neutralized with triethanolamine. The controlled steps give a consistent material that meets cosmetic purity standards.
Because it can lift away dirt and mix oil with water, Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate shows up in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, makeup removers and some exfoliating scrubs. It is also used in certain masks and rinse-off conditioners where a gentle yet effective cleansing or foaming agent is needed.
Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate mainly plays one key role.
Emulsifying: It helps oil and water stay blended so the product remains smooth and stable from the factory to the bathroom shelf. By keeping ingredients evenly dispersed, it supports consistent texture, reliable cleansing performance and an even application experience for the user.
Who Can Use Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate
Most skin types can tolerate Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate without issue, especially normal, oily and combination skin that benefit from its cleansing power. People with very dry, compromised or highly reactive skin may find it a bit too stripping if used in high concentrations, so they might prefer formulas where it is paired with extra emollients or moisturizers.
The ingredient is typically synthesized from plant or petroleum feedstocks and contains no animal-derived materials, so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. As always, anyone following a strict cruelty-free lifestyle should confirm the finished product’s animal testing policies.
No evidence suggests that Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals when used topically in rinse-off cosmetics. This is not medical advice; expectant or nursing users should show any new product to their healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
The surfactant does not increase photosensitivity, so there is no added need for sun protection beyond the normal daily SPF recommendations. It is also compatible with most other common skincare and haircare ingredients, which makes it easy to slot into multi-step routines without special precautions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects, but most users will not experience these if the product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Dryness or tightness
- Mild skin irritation or redness, particularly on sensitive or eczema-prone areas
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching, rash or swelling
- Fading of fresh hair color if used in high-foaming shampoos shortly after dyeing
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs, stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate is highly water soluble and designed to rinse clean without leaving an oily film that could clog pores. It has no fatty residues and is used at relatively low percentages in rinse-off products, keeping its occlusive potential minimal. Its mildness still allows thorough cleansing, which can actually help keep pores clear if the rest of the formula is balanced.
Because of the low rating, the ingredient is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
One point to note is that overall formula composition matters. If the product pairs this surfactant with heavy oils or waxes, the end product’s pore-clogging potential could be higher, so always look at the full ingredient list.
Summary
Tea-C11-15 Alketh Sulfate functions mainly as an emulsifier and secondary cleanser. Its molecular structure has both water-loving and oil-loving parts, so it positions itself at the oil-water interface, lowers surface tension and helps dirt lift away when rinsed. This same action keeps lotions, washes and scrubs stable and uniform while they sit on your shelf.
The ingredient is moderately popular. It appears often in mid-priced shampoos, body washes and foaming facial cleansers but is less common in luxury or minimalist formulations that lean on ultra-gentle surfactants.
Current data show it is safe for topical use in the concentrations found in rinse-off cosmetics. Still, every skin is different so give any new product a quick patch test on a small area first just to be sure your skin agrees with it.