What Is Trideceth-5?
Trideceth-5 is a synthetic ingredient derived from isotridecanol, a fatty alcohol that comes from petroleum or plant oils. Through a process called ethoxylation, ethylene oxide molecules are added to isotridecanol, creating a chain of five ethoxy units. The result is a clear or slightly cloudy liquid that mixes well with both water and oil. Chemists first explored ethoxylated alcohols in the mid-20th century as gentler alternatives to harsh soaps, and Trideceth-5 quickly found a place in personal care formulations thanks to its balanced cleansing power and mildness. It is manufactured in controlled reactors where temperature, pressure and the ratio of ethylene oxide are carefully monitored to ensure consistent quality.
You will most often see Trideceth-5 in facial cleansers, shampoos, micellar waters, makeup removers, exfoliating masks and lightweight lotions. It is also common in color cosmetics such as liquid foundations where a smooth, even texture is important.
Trideceth-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose Trideceth-5 for two main reasons:
- Cleansing – As a mild surfactant, it lifts away dirt, excess oil and makeup without leaving skin feeling stripped. Its ability to create a gentle lather helps rinse impurities while maintaining skin comfort.
- Emulsifying – Trideceth-5 keeps oil and water phases blended, preventing products from separating. This stability allows creams, lotions and liquid makeup to stay smooth, improving spreadability and giving a reliable texture throughout the product’s shelf life.
Who Can Use Trideceth-5
Most skin types, including normal, combination and oily, tolerate Trideceth-5 well because it offers effective cleansing without a heavy residue. Sensitive or very dry skin can usually use it too, though formulas with high amounts of the ingredient might feel slightly drying if the rest of the product lacks enough moisturizers.
Trideceth-5 is produced from petroleum or plant-derived fatty alcohols and contains no animal components, so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Those following a strict plant-only preference may wish to confirm the feedstock source with the product manufacturer.
The ingredient is not known to pose specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied topically in typical cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review their skincare choices with a qualified healthcare professional to be sure.
Trideceth-5 does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. As with all skincare, daily sunscreen is still recommended for overall protection.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Trideceth-5 vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in well-formulated products.
- Skin irritation – Mild redness stinging or burning can appear on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis – Rare allergic responses such as rash or itching may occur in individuals with specific sensitivities to ethoxylated ingredients
- Eye irritation – If a product accidentally gets into the eyes it can cause temporary watering or discomfort
- Dryness – Overuse of cleansers with high concentrations might leave skin or scalp feeling tight especially in low-humidity climates
If any of these effects develop stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Trideceth-5 is a lightweight, water-soluble surfactant that rinses clean and does not leave an oily film behind, so it has very little tendency to block pores. It lacks heavy fatty acids or waxes that can sit on the skin’s surface and trap debris. That said, any surfactant can cause dryness if overused which could lead some skin types to produce more sebum and indirectly trigger breakouts. Overall it is considered suitable for acne-prone skin, especially when used in rinse-off products.
Its low comedogenic profile also makes it an attractive helper ingredient in foundations and lotions aimed at combination or oily skin where maintaining a clear finish is important.
Summary
Trideceth-5 acts mainly as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. Its ethoxylated structure has both water-loving and oil-loving ends, letting it lift away dirt and makeup then link oil and water so formulas stay smooth and stable. Because it is gentle yet effective, it shows up in everyday products like facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, liquid makeup and light lotions.
While it is not the trendiest ingredient on social media, chemists value it for reliable performance and affordability, so it quietly powers many mass-market and mid-range products.
Safety reviews find Trideceth-5 non-sensitizing for most users at typical concentrations and it carries a very low comedogenic rating. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test a new product that contains it before applying over large areas.