Heliwet FA 13/20 (Trideceth-20)
What is Heliwet FA 13/20?
Heliwet FA 13/20 is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the group of alcohol ethoxylates. The product is based on C13 fatty alcohol that has been ethoxylated with an average of 20 moles of ethylene oxide.
The INCI name of Heliwet FA 13/20 is Trideceth-20.
With an HLB value of approximately 16.5, Heliwet FA 13/20 is highly hydrophilic. This makes it particularly suitable as:
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An oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier
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A solubiliser for fragrances and oils
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A wetting agent
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A dispersing agent in aqueous systems
Due to its high water solubility, Trideceth-20 is used in both cosmetic and technical applications.
Packaging
- Bulk
- IBC
- Drum
- Can
CAS
69011-36-5
INCI-name
Trideceth-20
Application
Technical
Cosmetic
How is Trideceth-20 produced?
Heliwet FA 13/20 is produced via controlled ethoxylation of C13 fatty alcohol with an average of 20 moles of ethylene oxide.
During this process:
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Tridecyl alcohol reacts with ethylene oxide
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The number of EO units is precisely controlled
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A non-ionic surfactant with high hydrophilicity is formed
The relatively high EO content provides:
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Strong water solubility
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A high HLB value
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Good compatibility with other surfactants
European production is carried out under strict standards, including:
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REACH compliance
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Control of residual monomers (such as 1,4-dioxane)
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Batch consistency
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Traceability of raw materials
How does Heliwet FA 13/20 work in a formulation?
Heliwet FA 13/20 functions as a multifunctional surfactant in aqueous systems.
1. Emulsification of oil in water
With an HLB of 16.5, Trideceth-20 is strongly oriented toward oil-in-water emulsions. It reduces the surface tension between oil and water phases, resulting in stable emulsions.
Example:
In a toner or micellar water, Heliwet FA 13/20 ensures that small amounts of fragrance or oil remain clearly solubilised.
2. Solubilisation of hydrophobic substances
Trideceth-20 helps dissolve oil-based components in aqueous media.
Example:
In a hairspray or leave-in conditioner, it helps distribute active oils evenly without causing turbidity.
3. Wetting and dispersion
By lowering surface tension, Heliwet FA 13/20 improves the wetting of surfaces.
Example:
In an industrial cleaner, it enhances the spreading of the formulation over a surface, improving overall effectiveness.
In which industries is Heliwet FA 13/20 used?
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Heliwet FA 13/20 (Trideceth-20) is used in:
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Micellar solutions
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Toners
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Creams and lotions
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Hair care products
The INCI name makes it suitable for use in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Technical applications
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Industrial cleaners
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Agrochemical formulations
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Inks and coatings
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Water-based dispersions
Thanks to its high hydrophilicity, the product is suitable for systems requiring strong emulsifying or solubilising properties.
Besides Heliwet 13/20, we have other products in our range. Check it out on our insights page!
Frequently asked questions about Heliwet FA 13/20
1. What are the benefits of Heliwet FA 13/20?
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High HLB value (±16.5)
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Excellent water solubility
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Suitable for O/W systems
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Broad applicability (cosmetic and technical)
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Compatible with other surfactants
This makes Trideceth-20 suitable for formulations where clarity and stability are essential.
2. What is the difference between Trideceth-20 and other alcohol ethoxylates?
The differences lie in:
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The fatty alcohol chain length (C13)
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The number of EO units (20)
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The resulting HLB value
A higher HLB indicates a more hydrophilic character. With 20 EO units, Trideceth-20 is positioned on the hydrophilic side of the spectrum.
3. Is Heliwet FA 13/20 suitable for natural cosmetics?
Although the fatty alcohol base can be derived from plant-based sources, the ethoxylation process means the product is not considered fully natural according to strict certifications such as COSMOS Natural.
For “naturally derived” positioning, it may still be applicable depending on the origin of the raw materials.
4. When should you choose FA 13/20 instead of FA 18/20?
The choice depends on:
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Desired HLB value
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Type of emulsion
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Sensory properties
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Formulation requirements
C13-based structures may differ in solubility behavior and interaction with other ingredients compared to C18 variants.
Chempri: your partner in Heliwet FA 13/20
Chempri supplies Heliwet FA 13/20 (Trideceth-20) from Europe with a focus on:
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Reliable deliveries
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Consistent quality
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Technical support
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Product documentation (specifications, SDS and COA)
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Flexible batch sizes
At Chempri, we specialize in the production and supply of high-quality oleochemicals and their derivatives, including Heliwet FA 13/20. Our products are manufactured in our modern production facility and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of our customers.
Do you have any questions or would you like to place an order directly?
Contact our sales team for more information.
