Sodium trideceth sulfate (STS) is a cleansing agent that belongs to the chemical class of alkyl ether sulfates. It acts as a cleansing agent in personal products and creates a foaming sensation.

Many products are full of chemicals you may be unfamiliar with that do not necessarily aid in telling us what they are. Being in the dark with many of these ingredients is a pain, so we try and help whenever we can since knowledge is most often the difference between bad hair days and looking like a curly-haired goddess.

What is sodium trideceth sulfate?

Sodium trideceth sulfate is a sodium salt of sulfated ethoxylated tridecyl alcohol. It acts like a mild nonionic surfactant that does contain conditioning properties and when used in combination with other surfactants it creates foam and viscosity. It is used in skin, hair, shaving, and baby cleansing products because it is very low in skin irritation.

Benefits of Sodium Trideceth Sulfate

STS is found in a variety of personal cleansing products thanks to its surfactant qualities and gentle nature. It’s most often used in shampoos and conditioners and has a handful of benefits:

Improves overall hair health: STS is an excellent cleansing agent thanks to its emulsifying properties.

2. When hair is not properly cleansed, hair can begin to lose its luster and even become dry and brittle.

3. Reduces inflammation: STS is so common in haircare is its disinfecting quality, which effectively calms and soothes inflammation.

4. Removes dirt, oil, and product buildup: STS is an ideal cleansing agent, since it helps water mix with oil, dirt, and product buildup on the scalp so that they can be easily rinsed away.