Sodium Trideceth Sulfate

What is Sodium Trideceth Sulfate?

Sodium trideceth sulfate is a synthetic anionic surfactant derived from tridecyl alcohol ethoxylated with three moles of ethylene oxide, then esterified with sulfuric acid and neutralized with sodium. It belongs to the alkyl ether sulfate family, commonly used in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers. In formulations, it works by lowering the surface tension of water, enabling the formation of micelles that trap oils, dirt, and impurities for easy rinsing. Its emulsifying properties help blend oil and water phases for stable textures, while its foaming action creates rich lather to distribute the product evenly and enhance the cleansing sensation. This ingredient provides effective yet gentle performance in daily hygiene products.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Cleansing agent

Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Foaming

Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Delivers thorough cleansing by lifting dirt and excess oils without residue.

Produces stable foam for better product spread and user experience.

Supports emulsion stability in cleansers and washes for smooth consistency.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
People seeking effective yet mild cleansers for daily use on normal skin.	Those with known sensitivity to sulfate surfactants.
Individuals preferring foaming shampoos and body washes.	People experiencing dryness from frequent washing.
Users of rinse-off products needing good lather and rinseability.	Individuals preferring completely sulfate-free formulations.

Safety Notes

Rated low hazard by safety assessments for cosmetic use.
Generally recognized as safe in rinse-off products at typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Trideceth Sulfate

What products contain sodium trideceth sulfate?

Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and conditioners for its cleansing and foaming abilities.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Safety reviews indicate low irritation potential, especially in rinse-off applications, though patch testing is advisable.

How does it differ from other sulfates?

Its ethoxylation makes it milder than non-ethoxylated sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate.