Is sodium trideceth sulfate the same as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)?

No. Sodium trideceth sulfate is an ether sulfate, a chemically different and milder type of surfactant than SLS. CIR's safety review found alkyl ether sulfates like this one acceptable for use in rinse-off cleansers and shampoos.

Will sodium trideceth sulfate strip or dry my skin?

The published evidence does not support that concern. Ether sulfates are milder than SLS, the sulfate most associated with stripping and drying, and this ingredient is formulated for rinse-off use where skin contact is brief.

Why do people think all sulfates are bad?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) became notorious for potential irritation, and because sulfate-free marketing lumps all sulfates together, ether sulfates like this one get caught in that fear. However, CIR has reviewed them separately and found them acceptable for wash-off use.

surfactant

Sodium Trideceth Sulfate

Commonly feared, low concern·Moderate evidence

A mild-to-moderate foaming cleanser similar in structure to sodium laureth sulfate, used at wash-off concentrations where skin contact time is brief. Reviewed by CIR as safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic formulations.

The myth vs the evidence

Ether sulfates like this one often get lumped in with "sulfates strip your skin" claims aimed at sodium lauryl sulfate, but as an ethoxylated cleanser it is milder than SLS, and CIR review has found alkyl ether sulfates like this one safe as used in rinse-off products.

Questions

Is sodium trideceth sulfate the same as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)?: No. Sodium trideceth sulfate is an ether sulfate, a chemically different and milder type of surfactant than SLS. CIR's safety review found alkyl ether sulfates like this one acceptable for use in rinse-off cleansers and shampoos.
Will sodium trideceth sulfate strip or dry my skin?: The published evidence does not support that concern. Ether sulfates are milder than SLS, the sulfate most associated with stripping and drying, and this ingredient is formulated for rinse-off use where skin contact is brief.
Why do people think all sulfates are bad?: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) became notorious for potential irritation, and because sulfate-free marketing lumps all sulfates together, ether sulfates like this one get caught in that fear. However, CIR has reviewed them separately and found them acceptable for wash-off use.

Products with Sodium Trideceth Sulfate

References

CIR Ingredient Page: Sodium Trideceth Sulfate ↗

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.