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Trideceth-6

What Trideceth-6 is & what it does

An emulsifier and solubilizer that helps disperse oils and keep light emulsions stable. It blends oil-loving and water-loving ingredients into a smooth, even base. It is used in modest amounts to support a pleasant, uniform texture rather than to condition the skin.

What is Trideceth-6 and what does it do in sunscreen?

Trideceth-6 is an emulsifier and solubilizer, made by attaching a few units of ethylene oxide to a fatty alcohol. In sunscreen it helps oils disperse evenly and keeps lighter emulsions stable, contributing a smooth, uniform feel. It is a behind-the-scenes texture ingredient rather than an active.

Is Trideceth-6 safe?

Yes. Trideceth-6 is a common, well-tolerated cosmetic emulsifier used at low levels in skincare and sun care. It is not flagged as an allergen in our data and is gentle for most people. As with other ethoxylated ingredients, reputable manufacturers purify out trace processing by-products, so the concern is a contaminant rather than the ingredient.

Does Trideceth-6 clog pores?

Generally no. Trideceth-6 does not carry a comedogenicity flag in our data, so it is an unlikely pore-clogging culprit. It is a lightweight emulsifier used in small amounts rather than a heavy oil or butter. If you are breaking out, richer emollients elsewhere in a formula are more likely the cause.

Is Trideceth-6 fungal-acne safe?

Not always. Trideceth-6 is built on a fatty backbone, and the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne can feed on that fatty portion. People prone to fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) may prefer to avoid it. This is one specific skin concern, not a general safety issue: for everyone else it is harmless and well tolerated.

What is Trideceth-6 on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Trideceth-6 is the INCI name on the label, where the 6 refers to about six units of ethylene oxide attached to a tridecyl (fatty alcohol) chain, not a percentage. It usually appears in the middle of an ingredient list among the other emulsifiers and solubilizers. Its job there is to help oils and the water phase mix smoothly.

Sunscreens with Trideceth-6

We rate 139 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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