Ingredient review
Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate
INCI: SODIUM CETETH-13 CARBOXYLATE
A gentle, soap-free cleansing ingredient that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate is a mild cleansing agent often used in soap-free washes. It helps water and oil mix together so that dirt and makeup can be rinsed away easily. Because it is less harsh than traditional soaps, it is a common choice for sensitive skin cleansers.
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 Ceteth-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 Ceteth-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 by reacting a fatty alcohol (cetyl alcohol) with ethylene oxide and then converting it to a carboxylate salt. It belongs to a class of mild cleansing agents known as alkyl carboxylates.
How it works
It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend. When you rinse, it carries away dirt, sebum, and impurities without disrupting the skin's outer layer as much as stronger detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Pros
Gentle on skin
This surfactant is much milder than traditional soaps or sodium lauryl sulfate, making it suitable for daily use on sensitive or dry skin without causing tightness or irritation.
Good foam with less irritation
It produces a moderate foam that effectively removes dirt and oil, but with a lower risk of disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier, so your face feels clean and comfortable.
Cons and cautions
Less effective on heavy makeup
Because it is so gentle, it may not fully remove waterproof mascara or long-wear foundation without a double-cleansing step.
Potential for mild sensitivity
In rare cases, people with extremely reactive skin may experience slight stinging or redness, especially in leave-on products with higher concentrations.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a non-stripping cleanser
- Anyone who prefers sulfate-free or soap-free cleansing products
Use caution if
- Those with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential. Regulatory bodies like the CIR have not raised specific concerns for this ingredient, though individuals with extreme sensitivity should patch-test new products.
Research notes
Research on alkyl carboxylates indicates they are mild surfactants with good skin compatibility. While specific studies on Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate are limited, the broader class is well-documented as safe and effective in rinse-off products.
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 most major markets. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar alkyl carboxylates and found them safe at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
- Environmental note
- As a semi-synthetic surfactant, it is more biodegradable than some petrochemical-based alternatives, but its production involves ethylene oxide, which has environmental considerations.
Good to know
- Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate is often found in 'soap-free' or 'sulfate-free' cleansers.
- It is considered biodegradable and generally safe for aquatic life at typical use levels.
Common questions
What is Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate in beauty products?
Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate is a mild cleansing agent often used in soap-free washes. It helps water and oil mix together so that dirt and makeup can be rinsed away easily. Because it is less harsh than traditional soaps, it is a common choice for sensitive skin cleansers.
What does Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate do in a beauty product?
It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend. When you rinse, it carries away dirt, sebum, and impurities without disrupting the skin's outer layer as much as stronger detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Is Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate safe for most people?
Sodium Ceteth-13 Carboxylate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential. Regulatory bodies like the CIR have not raised specific concerns for this ingredient, though individuals with extreme sensitivity should patch-test new products.
Who should be careful with Sodium Ceteth-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.