Trideceth-2 is a polyethylene glycol ether of tridecyl alcohol used in cosmetic formulations as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions rather than providing a therapeutic effect.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Rare | Possible in sensitive individuals or with high concentrations. |
Contact dermatitis/allergic sensitization | Very rare | Uncommon for ethoxylated surfactants but occasionally reported. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can occur on direct contact, depending on concentration. |
Concern over 1,4-dioxane trace contamination | Rare | A byproduct of ethoxylation; minimized by manufacturing purification. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.