What Is Trideceth-3 Phosphate?
Trideceth-3 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient made by joining a fatty alcohol that has 13 carbon atoms (tridecyl alcohol) with small units of ethylene oxide and then treating the result with phosphoric acid. The process creates a molecule that has both water-loving and oil-loving parts, which is why it works so well in personal care formulas. It first appeared in shampoos and liquid soaps in the late 20th century when chemists were looking for mild alternatives to older, harsher cleansing agents. Today manufacturers produce it in large batches through controlled reactions in stainless steel reactors, allowing for consistent quality and purity.
You will most often spot Trideceth-3 Phosphate in rinse-off products such as shampoos, facial cleansers and body washes. It also shows up in makeup removers, micellar waters, exfoliating masks and some lightweight lotions where a little extra cleansing action is helpful. Because it can mix water with oils, formulators also add it to sunscreens, hair conditioners and serums to keep the texture smooth and even.
Trideceth-3 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in beauty products
- Cleansing: Its water-loving head attaches to water while its oil-loving tail grabs dirt, sweat and excess sebum. When you rinse, the whole mix lifts away, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh without a tight or squeaky sensation.
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water stay blended, preventing creams, lotions and sprays from separating on the shelf or in your hand. A stable emulsion feels smoother, spreads more evenly and delivers active ingredients where they are needed.
Who Can Use Trideceth-3 Phosphate
Because it is non-comedogenic and relatively mild most people can use Trideceth-3 Phosphate without trouble. Normal, oily, combination and even dry skin types tend to tolerate it well since it cleanses without stripping away too much natural oil. Those with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin should scan the rest of the formula to be sure there are no additional irritants but the ingredient itself is not singled out as a frequent trigger.
The compound is made entirely from synthetic raw materials so it contains no animal-derived components. That makes products containing it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians as long as the overall formula is also free of animal ingredients and not tested on animals.
No specific warnings exist for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The molecule does not readily penetrate deep skin layers and is not known to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Still this is not medical advice so anyone who is pregnant or nursing should double-check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare just to be safe.
Trideceth-3 Phosphate is not photo-reactive and will not make skin more sensitive to sunlight. It also fares well with most other common cosmetic ingredients so compatibility concerns are minimal.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Trideceth-3 Phosphate differ from person to person. The following list covers potential issues but they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.
- Mild skin irritation itching or redness can occur in people who are very sensitive to surfactants
- Eye stinging if a cleanser or shampoo containing the ingredient gets into the eyes
- Dryness when used in high concentrations or with very frequent cleansing
- Contact dermatitis a rare allergic reaction that presents as rash or swelling
If any of these reactions appear stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Trideceth-3 Phosphate dissolves completely in water, has a lightweight molecular structure and is typically used in rinse-off products. These qualities let it wash away without leaving oily residues that might block pores, so it earns a solid zero on the comedogenic scale.
Because it does not clog pores and is usually removed after a short contact time it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Its low use levels in finished formulas and the fact that it is most often paired with other mild surfactants further reduce any chance of pore congestion.
Summary
Trideceth-3 Phosphate works as a cleanser and emulsifier by pairing a water-loving head with an oil-loving tail. That dual nature lets it grab dirt and oil then rinse away clean while also keeping the oil and water parts of a lotion or cleanser from separating.
It is not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C yet it is a quiet workhorse behind many shampoos, face washes and micellar waters thanks to its mildness and reliability.
Safety studies and decades of use show that it is low risk for most skin types when formulated correctly, though any new product should still be patch tested first to rule out individual sensitivity.