What it is
Trideceth-10 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol made by reacting branched C13 tridecyl alcohol with roughly ten units of ethylene oxide. The resulting nonionic surfactant helps disperse oils into water, stabilize emulsions, and dissolve poorly soluble materials such as fragrances and some UV filters. The number 10 indicates the average degree of ethoxylation, which sets its water solubility and emulsifying balance.
Safety & warnings
Trideceth ethers are generally well tolerated at use levels in rinse-off and leave-on products. As with other ethoxylated ingredients, the manufacturing process can generate trace 1,4-dioxane, which reputable suppliers reduce through vacuum stripping. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic. It is produced by ethoxylating tridecyl alcohol, a branched C13 alcohol that is typically derived from petrochemical feedstocks.
Questions everyone asks
What does the 10 in Trideceth-10 mean?
It is the average number of ethylene oxide units added to the tridecyl alcohol, which influences how water-soluble and effective an emulsifier the ingredient is.
Is Trideceth-10 a UV filter?
No. It is a surfactant and emulsifier that helps blend a formula; it does not absorb or reflect UV light itself.