Trideceth-5
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2-(Tridecyloxy)ethanol, Ethanol, Tridecyl ethyleneglycol monoether, TRIDECETH-1, NOVEL TDA 1
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-tridecyl-.omega.-hydroxy; Isotridecanol, ethoxylated
Effective at 1.6%
CAS #
24938-91-8, 69011-36-5
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century as part of the polyethylene glycol ether family. Created to replace natural emulsifiers in cosmetics and personal care products for improved stability and consistency.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.2%
3.0%
0%4%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.7-2 | 1-3 | 0.2-3
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR