What Is Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate?
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is a surfactant made by reacting fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm oil with sulfuric acid, then neutralizing the mixture with triethanolamine. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that mixes easily with water and helps loosen dirt and oil. Chemists began using similar sulfate-based cleansers in the mid-20th century when gentle, high-foaming shampoos became popular. Over time they adjusted the carbon chain length and the neutralizing agent to create milder options like Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate, which offers a balance of strong cleaning power and skin friendliness. Today you will most often see it in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, liquid hand soaps and bubble baths because it quickly builds a rich foam that rinses away without leaving a heavy film.
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its spot on the label thanks to two key functions that improve how a product works and feels.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension of water so oils, sweat and everyday grime lift off skin and hair, leaving them fresh and clean.
- Foaming: It produces a dense, stable lather that makes washing feel luxurious and helps spread the product evenly, ensuring thorough coverage with less effort.
Who Can Use Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate
Most people with normal, oily or combination skin and scalp can use products that contain Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate without trouble. Its strong cleansing action helps cut through excess sebum which makes it popular in clarifying shampoos and body washes. Those with very dry, eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin might find it a bit too stripping because it can remove some of the natural lipids that keep skin comfortable, so gentler alternatives may suit them better.
The ingredient is sourced from plant-based fatty alcohols and does not rely on animal derivatives, so it is typically considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Cruelty-free status, however, depends on the finished brand’s animal-testing policy, not on the surfactant itself.
Externally applied Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is not known to penetrate deeply or reach the bloodstream in meaningful amounts, so it is generally viewed as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before starting new personal-care products.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known photo-reactivity. Beyond the usual need to rinse well to avoid residue, there are no special usage notes for most consumers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses vary and the points below describe possible rather than guaranteed effects. In well-formulated products most users experience none of these issues.
- Dryness or tightness
- Temporary redness or stinging on sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the lather runs into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
- Fading of fresh hair color when used in shampoos
- Increased irritation when layered with other strong exfoliants or retinoids
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is a water-soluble cleansing agent that rinses off fully and leaves no oily residue behind. Because clogged pores are usually triggered by heavier oils or waxes that sit on the skin, a rinse-off surfactant like this one poses virtually no risk of blocking follicles, which is why it earns the lowest possible score.
That makes the ingredient generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One extra note: formulas that pair this surfactant with thick conditioners or butters could still feel heavy on very oily skin, but the sulfate itself will not be the culprit.
Summary
Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is valued for two straightforward jobs: lifting away dirt and oil and building a creamy foam that spreads product smoothly. It does this by lowering water’s surface tension, allowing grime to mix with water so everything rinses off swiftly.
Its strong but balanced cleansing power keeps it popular in mainstream shampoos, shower gels and facial washes, though some boutique brands look for even milder alternatives to target highly sensitive skin.
Overall safety studies show low risk when the ingredient is used in rinse-off items. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is smart to patch test any new product containing Tea-C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate to confirm it agrees with you.