What Is Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate?
Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate is a synthetic surfactant that belongs to the sulfosuccinate family, a group of ingredients valued for their gentle yet effective cleansing action. Chemically it is the ammonium salt of butanedioic acid sulfo- 1,4-dinonyl ester. Manufacturers create it in a multi-step process that begins with reacting maleic anhydride and nonyl alcohol to form a di-nonyl ester. This ester is then sulfonated to introduce the cleansing sulfonate group and finally neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to give a water-soluble powder or liquid concentrate.
Sulfosuccinates were first developed in the 1940s for industrial detergents, but formulators soon realized their mildness made them ideal for personal care. Today this ingredient shows up in facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, exfoliating scrubs, micellar waters, makeup removers, scalp treatments and even some sheet masks where a light lather is desired without stripping the skin.
Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics this ingredient plays a supporting yet important role in how a product feels and performs on the skin.
- Cleansing: Lowers surface tension so oils dirt and makeup can be lifted away when rinsed with water leaving skin feeling refreshed but not tight
- Foaming: Produces a light creamy lather that enhances the sensory experience and helps distribute the product evenly across the skin or hair
Who Can Use Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate
This surfactant is generally suitable for most skin types, including oily, combination and normal skin, thanks to its mild cleansing action that removes excess sebum without aggressive stripping. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it as well, though people with very dry or eczema-prone skin may prefer formulas where it is balanced with extra moisturizers to avoid any feeling of tightness.
Because it is fully synthetic and does not rely on animal-derived raw materials, products containing Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate are typically acceptable for both vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturers often pair it with other plant-based or lab-made ingredients, so no animal byproducts are involved in its production.
The ingredient has no known issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. Systemic absorption is minimal, yet this is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should still clear any skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it does not raise the risk of photosensitivity. Standard daytime sun protection habits remain important for overall skin health.
Haircare note: its gentle foaming profile means it is also mild enough for color-treated or chemically processed hair, though conditioners in the same formula will determine ultimate softness and shine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues, but most users will not experience them if the ingredient has been correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Transient dryness or tightness when used in high concentrations or without accompanying moisturizers
- Mild skin irritation or redness especially on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally enters the eyes during cleansing
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or small bumps
- Slight burning sensation on broken or highly sensitized skin due to the surfactant action
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and seek advice from a medical professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low)
Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate is highly water soluble and rinses off cleanly so it does not linger in pores or mix with sebum in a way that could clog them. It is also used at modest concentrations, further lowering any pore-blocking risk. For these reasons formulators consider it practically non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
As with any surfactant the overall comedogenicity of a finished product also depends on the other ingredients in the formula, especially heavy oils or waxes that may counter its low rating.
Summary
Ammonium Dinonyl Sulfosuccinate is a mild synthetic surfactant that lifts away oils dirt and makeup while creating a light foam that feels pleasant on skin and hair. Its water-loving sulfonate group lowers surface tension letting impurities mix with water and wash away easily without over-drying.
The ingredient enjoys steady but not blockbuster popularity, showing up mainly in gentle cleansers body washes and micellar waters where formulators want mildness plus a soft lather.
Overall safety is high with minimal reports of irritation or allergy when used as directed. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a quick patch test to rule out personal sensitivity before full-face use.