SkinWis
SkinWis Scientific

Skincare Ingredient

Sign in to save this ingredient

Save ingredients to your skin profile and we'll use them when you look up products — instantly flagging what's reactive, neutral, or works well for your skin.

Trideceth-10

In Skincare: Is Trideceth-10 Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Trideceth-10 is an ethoxylated surfactant and emulsifier that is generally considered low risk based on Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessments; however, it may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive skin and has a potential for trace contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, which are known or suspected carcinogens. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a moderate hazard score due to these concerns.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Trideceth-10 is a polyethylene glycol ether derived from tridecyl alcohol. It’s created by reacting ethylene oxide with tridecyl alcohol, resulting in a molecule with an average of ten repeating units of ethylene oxide. Tridecyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol containing 13 carbon atoms. These ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic and personal care formulations for skin and hair products.
Classifications
Emulsifier

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Trideceth-10 is produced through the ethoxylation of tridecyl alcohol. The numerical designation (in this case, “10”) indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units attached to the molecule. Tridecyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with 13 carbon atoms. Other polyethylene glycol ether compounds include lauryl alcohol (12 carbons), stearyl alcohol (18 carbons), and cetearyl alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols, both 16 carbons).

Common Uses

Formulation in Trideceth-10

Trideceth-10 is utilized in cosmetic formulations for its emulsifying and thickening properties. It can help stabilize mixtures of oil and water, contributing to the desired texture and consistency of products like lotions, creams, and shampoos.

Role of Trideceth-10

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

CLEANSING

Dirt & Oil Remover

Removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Cleansing ingredients remove sebum, dirt, cells, and cosmetics through surfactant action, emulsification, or solubilization. Surfactants reduce surface and interfacial tension, allowing water to wet oily surfaces. Micelle formation enables hydrophobic substances to be solubilized and rinsed away. Must balance efficacy with mildness to avoid stripping natural lipid barrier.

SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Cleansing Surfactant

Removes dirt and oil through surfactant action

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.

Products

containing Trideceth-10

237 formulations
What Acne?
What Acne?
The Creme Shop · exfoliators
THIRSTYMUD™ Hydrating Treatment Mask
THIRSTYMUD™ Hydrating Treatment Mask
GLAMGLOW · masks
Hydrating Milky Mist
Hydrating Milky Mist
Pixi Beauty · toning-essences
Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trideceth-10 — common questions

What is Trideceth-10 in skincare?

Trideceth-10 is a polyethylene glycol ether derived from tridecyl alcohol. It’s created by reacting ethylene oxide with tridecyl alcohol, resulting in a molecule with an average of ten repeating units of ethylene oxide. Tridecyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol containing 13 carbon atoms. These ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic and personal care formulations for skin and hair products.

What does Trideceth-10 do? / Functions of Trideceth-10?

Common functions: CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Trideceth-10? / Is Trideceth-10 comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Trideceth-10 has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Trideceth-10 clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Trideceth-10 safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Trideceth-10 has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Trideceth-10 is an ethoxylated surfactant and emulsifier that is generally considered low risk based on Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessments; however, it may cause irritation in individuals wi

Is Trideceth-10 good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Trideceth-10 has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Trideceth-10 in skincare?

Known considerations: Trideceth-10 is an ethoxylated surfactant and emulsifier that is generally considered low risk based on Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessments; however, it may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive skin and has a potential for trace contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, which are known or suspected carcinogens. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns it a moderate hazard score due to these concerns.

)