Ingredient review
Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate
INCI: SODIUM TRIDECETH-6 CARBOXYLATE
A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate is a synthetic cleansing ingredient that helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. Unlike harsher soaps, it is designed to be mild and less likely to cause dryness or irritation. It also helps blend oil and water in a formula, making it useful in creamy or milky 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
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Trideceth-6 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-6 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 synthetic surfactant (cleansing agent) made by reacting a fatty alcohol (trideceth) with a carboxylate group. It belongs to the ether carboxylate family, known for their gentle cleansing properties.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt to be rinsed away. Its mildness comes from its large molecular structure, which is less penetrating to the skin barrier compared to smaller, harsher surfactants.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its large molecular structure means it cleans without penetrating or damaging the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.
Good emulsifier
It helps blend oils and water, so it works well in creamy or milky cleansers that need to remove makeup without harsh rubbing.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is manufactured from petrochemical-derived fatty alcohols, which may be a concern for those seeking only natural or plant-derived ingredients.
Limited standalone cleansing power
For heavy waterproof makeup or sunscreen, it may need to be paired with other surfactants or oils for thorough removal.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone wanting a non-stripping daily face wash
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients in their skincare routine
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low skin irritation and sensitization potential, supported by safety reviews from cosmetic ingredient panels.
Research notes
Ether carboxylates like this one are well-documented in cosmetic science as mild surfactants. Studies show they cause less protein denaturation and skin barrier disruption compared to traditional sulfates. However, specific human clinical data on this exact compound is limited.
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. No known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic surfactant, its biodegradability varies by formulation. Some ether carboxylates are considered readily biodegradable, but check individual product claims.
Good to know
- Often used alongside other mild surfactants to boost cleansing without irritation.
- It is not a foaming agent on its own but can improve the feel of foam in a blend.
Common questions
What is Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate in beauty products?
Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate is a synthetic cleansing ingredient that helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. Unlike harsher soaps, it is designed to be mild and less likely to cause dryness or irritation. It also helps blend oil and water in a formula, making it useful in creamy or milky cleansers.
What does Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt to be rinsed away. Its mildness comes from its large molecular structure, which is less penetrating to the skin barrier compared to smaller, harsher surfactants.
Is Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate safe for most people?
Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low skin irritation and sensitization potential, supported by safety reviews from cosmetic ingredient panels.
Who should be careful with Sodium Trideceth-6 Carboxylate?
Those who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients in their skincare routine
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.