What Is Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate?
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate is a compound created when phosphoric acid is reacted with a blend of fatty alcohols that have 12 to 13 carbon atoms, then neutralized with triethanolamine. The result is a salt that dissolves well in water yet still holds onto the oil-loving part of the original fatty alcohols. These twin abilities make it a handy helper in personal care formulas.
The core building blocks—phosphoric acid, fatty alcohols and triethanolamine—are widely used in many industries, which helped pave the way for this ingredient to enter cosmetics in the late twentieth century as brands looked for milder cleansers. Today it is manufactured in large batches through controlled heating and mixing, then purified to remove leftover reactants. Because its raw materials are easy to source and the process is straightforward, Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate has become a cost-effective choice for formulators.
You will most often spot it in face washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoo, body wash, liquid hand soap and some exfoliating masks. Its mild action also lets brands add it to sensitive-skin and baby products where harsh surfactants would be a problem.
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics this ingredient serves one key purpose that brings several perks to a formula.
Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and makeup can be lifted away and rinsed off easily. Compared with stronger sulfates it is considered milder, which can translate to less dryness and irritation for skin and hair while still delivering a satisfying lather.
Who Can Use Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate
This gentle surfactant is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal, sensitive and even dry skin since it cleanses without the harsh stripping effect of stronger detergents. Those with very dry or compromised skin barriers should still look for formulas that pair it with replenishing ingredients like glycerin or ceramides to balance any potential tightness.
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate is typically manufactured from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic processing aids, so it is considered appropriate for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. As always, check the full product label to be sure no animal-derived additives have been included elsewhere in the formula.
The ingredient is not known to pose specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically in rinse-off or leave-on products. This is not medical advice and individuals who are pregnant or nursing should confirm any skincare routine with their healthcare provider to stay on the safe side.
It does not increase photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sunscreen use is still advised for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic concentrations in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation
- Transient redness or itching, especially on very sensitive skin
- Dryness or tightness if used in high-foaming cleansers without adequate moisturizers
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to phosphates or triethanolamine
- Eye stinging or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate is mainly a water-soluble cleansing agent with a relatively large molecular size, so it sits on the skin only briefly and rinses away easily. It has little tendency to mix with skin oils or stay in pores, which keeps the clogging risk low. A score of 1 reflects that minimal risk while noting that any surfactant can cause trouble if a formula is overloaded with heavy oils or if skin is already very reactive.
Suitable for acne-prone users in most rinse-off products.
No studies link this ingredient directly to breakouts, but final comedogenicity always depends on the full product blend and personal skin factors.
Summary
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate is a mild surfactant that lifts away oil, dirt and makeup without the harsh stripping of stronger detergents. It earns its keep by lowering water’s surface tension so grime can be swept off the skin or hair then rinsed down the drain.
You will see it in a wide range of face washes, micellar waters, shampoos and baby cleansers. It is not the flashiest ingredient on the label, yet formulators like it because it is cost-effective, easy to work with and gentle enough for sensitive formulas. That steady usefulness keeps it in regular rotation, even if it never gets star billing.
Current safety data shows a low risk of irritation or allergy at the levels used in cosmetics, and its comedogenic score of 1 makes it friendly for breakout-prone skin. Still, every formula is different so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains it before adding it to your daily routine.