Ingredient review
Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate
INCI: Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate
A gentle, soap-free surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
In plain English
Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps water and oil mix together so dirt and makeup can be rinsed away. Unlike traditional soaps, it doesn't leave skin feeling tight or dry. It's often used in gentle face washes and shampoos because it cleans effectively without being harsh.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic surfactant made from cetearyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol from plant oils) and ethylene oxide, then carboxylated and neutralized with sodium. It belongs to the alkyl carboxylate family, known for mild cleansing properties.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oily impurities and dirt to be lifted from the skin and rinsed away. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and therefore less irritating than smaller surfactants.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its large molecular structure means it stays on the surface and doesn't penetrate the skin barrier, reducing the risk of irritation and dryness.
Effective emulsifier
It helps blend oil and water phases in formulas, creating stable, creamy textures that feel luxurious and rinse cleanly.
Cons and cautions
Potential trace impurities
As an ethoxylated ingredient, it may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane if not properly purified during manufacturing. Reputable brands ensure purification to safe levels.
Sustainability concerns
Often derived from palm oil, which can be linked to deforestation. Look for RSPO-certified or sustainably sourced versions.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a non-stripping cleanser
- Anyone seeking a soap-free, sulfate-free cleansing option
Use caution if
- Those with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane, which is minimized through good manufacturing practices. Regulatory bodies like the CIR and EU SCCS have deemed similar ethoxylated surfactants safe when properly purified.
Research notes
Research on alkyl carboxylates indicates they are mild surfactants with low skin irritation. Studies on similar compounds (e.g., sodium laureth carboxylate) show they are less damaging to skin barrier function compared to sodium lauryl sulfate. No specific clinical trials for this exact ingredient were found, but the class is well-studied.
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. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar alkyl carboxylates and found them safe as used.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
- Environmental note
- Biodegradable under aerobic conditions, but its production involves ethoxylation, which has an environmental footprint. Some suppliers offer palm-free or sustainably sourced versions.
Good to know
- Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate is considered a 'soap-free' cleanser, meaning it won't form soap scum in hard water.
- It is often listed near the middle or end of ingredient lists because it is used at moderate concentrations.
Common questions
What is Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate in beauty products?
Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps water and oil mix together so dirt and makeup can be rinsed away. Unlike traditional soaps, it doesn't leave skin feeling tight or dry. It's often used in gentle face washes and shampoos because it cleans effectively without being harsh.
What does Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oily impurities and dirt to be lifted from the skin and rinsed away. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and therefore less irritating than smaller surfactants.
Is Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate safe for most people?
Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane, which is minimized through good manufacturing practices. Regulatory bodies like the CIR and EU SCCS have deemed similar ethoxylated surfactants safe when properly purified.
Who should be careful with Sodium Ceteareth-13 Carboxylate?
Those with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
Research sources
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.