Ingredient review

Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate

INCI: Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

beautyskincarecleansing

In plain English

This is a man-made cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's considered mild and is often used in gentle cleansers and shampoos because it cleans without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate is a synthetic surfactant (a type of detergent) and emulsifier. It belongs to a class of ingredients called alkyl ether phosphates, which are known for being gentle on skin and hair.

How it works

It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin or scalp so they can be washed away easily. Its phosphate group also helps stabilize emulsions, keeping formulas smooth and consistent.

Pros

Gentle on skin

Unlike harsher sulfates, this surfactant cleans effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for daily use.

Versatile in formulas

It works well in both rinse-off and leave-on products, helping to create stable, pleasant textures in cleansers and shampoos.

Cons and cautions

Synthetic origin

It is not a naturally derived ingredient, which may be a drawback for consumers seeking plant-based or 'clean' beauty products.

Potential for mild dryness

In high concentrations or for very dry skin types, it can still cause slight tightness or dryness, so it's best used in balanced formulations.

Best for

  • People with normal to combination skin looking for a mild cleanser
  • Those who prefer sulfate-free cleansing options

Use caution if

  • Individuals with extremely dry or compromised skin barriers may want to pair it with a hydrating routine

Usage tips

Look for it in sulfate-free cleansers if you have sensitive skin.
Pair with a good moisturizer after cleansing to maintain skin hydration.

Safety summary

Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it a good choice for gentle cleansing products.

Research notes

Alkyl ether phosphates as a class have been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and found safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on products. Specific studies on this exact ingredient are limited, but its safety profile is supported by broader surfactant safety data.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. Generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
Common uses
Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
Environmental note
As a synthetic surfactant, its biodegradability varies by formulation. Some alkyl ether phosphates are considered readily biodegradable, but check individual product claims.

Good to know

  • It is often used alongside other mild surfactants to boost cleansing power without irritation.
  • The 'trideceth-6' part refers to the number of ethylene oxide units, which affects how water-loving the molecule is.

Common questions

What is Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate in beauty products?

This is a man-made cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's considered mild and is often used in gentle cleansers and shampoos because it cleans without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.

What does Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate do in a beauty product?

It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin or scalp so they can be washed away easily. Its phosphate group also helps stabilize emulsions, keeping formulas smooth and consistent.

Is Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate safe for most people?

Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it a good choice for gentle cleansing products.

Who should be careful with Ammonium Trideceth-6 Phosphate?

Individuals with extremely dry or compromised skin barriers may want to pair it with a hydrating routine

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety Assessment of Alkyl Ether PhosphatesOpenPubChem – Ammonium Trideceth-6 PhosphateOpenEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – Substance InformationOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.