What Is Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate?
Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is a man-made surfactant created by reacting oleic acid, a fatty acid usually taken from vegetable oils, with ethoxylated triethanolamine and maleic anhydride. The result is a mild, water-friendly molecule made of both oily and water-loving parts, which helps it mix oil and water. This ingredient first appeared in gentle cleansers in the late 1990s as brands searched for alternatives to harsher sulfates. Today manufacturers produce it in large stainless-steel reactors where the raw fatty acid is amidated with triethanolamine, then sulfonated, neutralized and purified to remove excess salts and by-products.
You will most often spot Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate in face and body washes, sulfate-free shampoos, baby cleansers and bubble baths. Formulators also add it to micellar waters, mild exfoliating scrubs and shaving creams where a rich but non-stripping lather is needed.
Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this multitasking surfactant improves a formula:
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and leftover makeup without pulling too much natural moisture from skin or hair, leaving a fresh comfortable feel
- Foam boosting: Builds a dense stable lather so the product feels creamy and spreads easily even in hard water
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep other ingredients evenly dissolved, preventing cloudiness or layer separation in clear or low-viscosity products
Who Can Use Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate
This gentle cleanser suits nearly all skin types including oily, combination, normal and even many sensitive or eczema-prone skins thanks to its mild nature and low potential to strip natural oils. Very few people need to avoid it, though anyone with a known allergy to sulfosuccinate surfactants or severe barrier damage should proceed with caution as any detergent can aggravate compromised skin.
Because it is made from plant-derived fatty acids and synthetic processing aids rather than animal sources, the ingredient itself is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full product label though, since other additives may not meet vegan criteria.
There is no data showing that Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate crosses the skin in meaningful amounts or interferes with hormones, so it is generally viewed as safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review their skincare routine before starting a new product.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also rinses away cleanly and leaves no residue that could interact with sunscreen filters or other actives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
People can respond differently to any cosmetic ingredient. The following list covers potential side effects from topical use of Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate but most users will not experience these issues when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Transient dryness or tightness if used in high concentrations or left on the skin too long
- Mild redness, itching or a stinging sensation in those with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Eye irritation if the lather gets into the eyes, usually temporary and relieved by rinsing with water
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as rash or swelling for individuals sensitised to sulfosuccinate surfactants
- Scalp buildup or dullness if combined with strongly cationic conditioners that are not fully rinsed out
If any irritation or unusual reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1 (non to very low comedogenic potential). Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is highly water soluble and designed to rinse away completely so it is unlikely to linger in pores or mix with sebum long enough to cause blockages. It also has a relatively large molecular structure that makes penetration into follicular openings difficult. Because of these properties most dermatology references and formulators treat it as non-comedogenic or at worst minimally comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin when used in rinse-off products.
As with any surfactant the overall formula matters: pairing it with heavy oils or butters could raise the comedogenic profile of the finished product even if the surfactant itself rates low.
Summary
Di-Tea-Oleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is mainly valued for three things: it cleanses by surrounding and lifting away oil and grime, it boosts foam for a rich lather that feels pleasant on skin or hair and it acts as a hydrotrope keeping other ingredients evenly dispersed in clear liquid products. It achieves these roles because its structure has both water-loving and oil-loving ends along with a built-in sulfonate group that lowers surface tension without harshness.
The ingredient shows up in many sulfate-free face washes body washes and gentle shampoos but it is still less famous than classic sulfates or newer amino acid surfactants so its popularity sits in the middle range. Brands focused on mildness and baby care use it regularly while some high-end lines overlook it in favor of trendier options.
Current safety data classifies it as low risk for toxicity irritation and environmental persistence when used as directed. Most users tolerate it well yet everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product containing this surfactant before fully incorporating it into a routine.