Ingredient review

Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate

INCI: SODIUM LAURETH-13 CARBOXYLATE

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate is a mild cleansing ingredient often used in gentle face washes and body cleansers. It helps lift away dirt, oil, and makeup while being much less harsh than traditional sulfates like SLS. Think of it as a gentle scrubber that does its job without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Sodium Laureth-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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate.
  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

A semi-synthetic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) and ethylene oxide, then carboxylated to create a mild, anionic cleansing agent.

How it works

It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt and sebum to be rinsed away. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and less irritating to the skin compared to smaller, harsher surfactants.

Pros

Extremely gentle

One of the mildest surfactants available, making it ideal for sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin.

Non-stripping

Cleans effectively without removing too much of the skin's natural oils, helping maintain a healthy moisture barrier.

Cons and cautions

Low foam

Produces less lather than traditional sulfates, which some users may perceive as less effective.

Ethoxylation concerns

The manufacturing process can create trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential contaminant, though levels are strictly regulated to be safe.

Best for

  • People with sensitive or dry skin
  • Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser

Use caution if

  • Individuals seeking a high-foam, deep-cleansing experience
  • Anyone with a known allergy to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)

Usage tips

Use in a double-cleansing routine if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen.
Pair with a moisturizer afterward for best results, especially if you have dry skin.

Safety summary

Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is a low-irritant surfactant and is well-tolerated by most skin types. The main concern is trace 1,4-dioxane, but regulatory limits keep exposure well below safety thresholds.

Research notes

Studies show that ether carboxylates like this one are significantly milder than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and cause less skin barrier disruption. They are widely used in formulations for sensitive skin.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically 1–10% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics globally. In the EU and US, it is considered safe when used as directed, with limits on 1,4-dioxane impurities.
Common uses
Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
Environmental note
Derived from plant-based fatty alcohols, but the ethoxylation process is energy-intensive. Biodegradability is moderate.

Good to know

  • Often found in 'sulfate-free' and 'gentle' cleanser labels.
  • Can be combined with other mild surfactants to boost cleansing power without increasing irritation.

Common questions

What is Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate in beauty products?

Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate is a mild cleansing ingredient often used in gentle face washes and body cleansers. It helps lift away dirt, oil, and makeup while being much less harsh than traditional sulfates like SLS. Think of it as a gentle scrubber that does its job without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.

What does Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate do in a beauty product?

It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt and sebum to be rinsed away. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and less irritating to the skin compared to smaller, harsher surfactants.

Is Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate safe for most people?

Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is a low-irritant surfactant and is well-tolerated by most skin types. The main concern is trace 1,4-dioxane, but regulatory limits keep exposure well below safety thresholds.

Who should be careful with Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate?

Individuals seeking a high-foam, deep-cleansing experience Anyone with a known allergy to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety Assessment of Ether CarboxylatesOpenPubMed – Mild surfactants and skin compatibilityOpenEWG Skin Deep – Sodium Laureth-13 CarboxylateOpen

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.