How we scored it
Where it comes from
Made by ethoxylating a synthetic tridecyl (oxo-process) alcohol with ethylene oxide, then esterifying with phosphoric acid. No natural-fatty-alcohol route exists because tridecanol's odd carbon number is not typical of oleochemical feedstocks.
In plain English
An emulsifying and cleansing surfactant made from a synthetic, lab-made fatty alcohol reacted with ethylene oxide and phosphoric acid. Used in cleansers and lotions to help oil and water mix.
CosIng definition: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-tridecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-, phosphate
Natural alternatives with the same function
A waxy fatty acid from peanut and other vegetable oils, used to thicken formulas and give creams and…
Arachidyl Glucoside 100% natural originA gentle, sugar-based emulsifier used in creams and lotions to stabilize formulas without harsh surfactants. It's made from…
Behenic Acid 100% natural originA long-chain fatty acid from vegetable oil, used to thicken and stabilise creams and conditioners. It is extracted…
C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural originA mild, sugar-based cleansing and emulsifying surfactant made by combining plant-derived fatty alcohols (coconut/palm) with glucose from starch.…
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural originA mild, sugar-based cleansing ingredient made from coconut or palm fatty alcohols and glucose; helps cleanse skin and…
C18-36 Acid 100% natural originA blend of long-chain plant fatty acids used as a mild cleanser and thickener, giving body and a…
References
- 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
- 2TRIDECETH-6 PHOSPHATE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
- 3TRIDECETH-6 PHOSPHATE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=TRIDECETH-6%20PHOSPHATE