Ingredient review
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate
INCI: SODIUM TRIDECETH-15 CARBOXYLATE
A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive skin.
In plain English
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It is often used in gentle cleansers and makeup removers because it cleans without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Think of it as a gentle soap that doesn't strip your skin's natural moisture barrier.
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 Trideceth-15 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 Trideceth-15 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 tridecyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) with ethylene oxide and then converting it to a carboxylate salt. It belongs to the class of ether carboxylates, known for their mildness and good foaming properties.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt on the skin to be lifted away and rinsed off. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and less irritating than harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its large molecule size means it doesn't penetrate deeply, reducing the risk of irritation and making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Effective yet mild cleansing
It removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving skin feeling comfortable rather than tight.
Cons and cautions
Semi-synthetic production
It is made through chemical processing (ethoxylation), which may be a concern for consumers seeking fully natural or minimally processed ingredients.
Potential for slight dryness at high levels
In very high concentrations or in leave-on products, it could still cause mild dryness for extremely dry or compromised skin.
Best for
- People with sensitive or dry skin
- Those looking for a gentle daily cleanser
- Anyone who prefers mild, low-irritation surfactants
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
- Those seeking 100% natural or plant-derived-only products
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and sensitization potential, making it a good choice for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.
Research notes
Studies on ether carboxylates like Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate indicate they are among the mildest surfactants available, with low eye and skin irritation. They are well-tolerated even in repeated-use studies. Most evidence comes from ingredient safety reviews and comparative surfactant studies.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. It is generally recognized as safe when used as directed in rinse-off and leave-on products.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Facial washes, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- As a semi-synthetic ingredient, its biodegradability is moderate. It is not known to be a significant environmental concern, but consumers concerned about sustainability may prefer plant-derived alternatives.
Good to know
- It is often used in sulfate-free cleansers as a milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate.
- The 'trideceth-15' part indicates it has 15 ethylene oxide units, which contribute to its mildness and solubility.
- It is compatible with other surfactants and can help boost foam without increasing irritation.
Common questions
What is Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate in beauty products?
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It is often used in gentle cleansers and makeup removers because it cleans without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Think of it as a gentle soap that doesn't strip your skin's natural moisture barrier.
What does Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt on the skin to be lifted away and rinsed off. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and less irritating than harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Is Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate safe for most people?
Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and sensitization potential, making it a good choice for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.
Who should be careful with Sodium Trideceth-15 Carboxylate?
Individuals with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients (rare) Those seeking 100% natural or plant-derived-only products
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.