What Is Disodium C12-14 Sec-Alketh-9 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Alketh-9 Sulfosuccinate is a surfactant made from medium length synthetic alcohols that have been reacted with about nine units of ethylene oxide, then partially joined with sulfosuccinic acid and neutralized with sodium. The result is a water loving salt that excels at mixing oil and water. It was introduced to personal care labs in the late 1960s when formulators were looking for milder cleansers than traditional sulfates yet still wanted a nice lather. Over time it earned a spot in many rinse off products thanks to its gentle touch on skin and hair.
Manufacturing starts with petroleum or plant based alcohols in the C12-14 range. These alcohols undergo ethoxylation, a controlled reaction that adds the ethylene oxide units. The modified alcohols are then reacted with sulfosuccinic anhydride to form half ester sulfosuccinic acids. Finally sodium hydroxide is added to neutralize the mix, yielding the disodium salt that goes into cosmetic drums.
You will most often find this ingredient in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, liquid hand soaps, micellar waters, baby washes and some mild exfoliating scrubs. It can also appear in shaving creams or cleansing balms where a rich but gentle foam is desired.
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Alketh-9 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi tasking surfactant supports several roles in a formula
- Cleansing – lifts dirt, excess oil and product buildup from skin and hair so they can be rinsed away with water
- Foam Boosting – increases the quantity and stability of bubbles giving users the satisfying lather they expect while helping other surfactants feel milder
- Hydrotrope – keeps oils, fragrances and other poorly soluble ingredients evenly dispersed which prevents separation and allows clear or low viscosity products
Who Can Use Disodium C12-14 Sec-Alketh-9 Sulfosuccinate
This mild surfactant is generally suitable for most skin types including normal, oily and combination skin because it removes excess sebum without leaving a tight after feel. Dry or very sensitive complexions can usually tolerate it too since it lacks the harsher bite of traditional sulfates, but those who struggle with chronic irritation should still monitor how their skin feels after cleansing. Because it rinses clean it is also friendly for acne-prone users who want to avoid residue that might clog pores.
The ingredient is synthetically produced from petroleum or coconut-derived alcohols and contains no animal material so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. It is also cruelty-free when sourced from suppliers that do not test on animals, though consumers should look for brand-specific certifications to confirm this point.
No published data link Disodium C12-14 Sec-Alketh-9 Sulfosuccinate to issues in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is considered a low systemic-exposure cleansing agent used only in rinse-off formats, yet this is not medical advice and expecting or nursing mothers should run any skincare or personal care product past their doctor to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more reactive to sunlight so photosensitivity is not a concern. It is fragrance-free on its own, readily biodegradable and compatible with hard water which helps reduce soap scum on skin and in showers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Disodium C12-14 Sec-Alketh-9 Sulfosuccinate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur even though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin dryness – prolonged contact or very high use levels can strip natural oils leaving the surface feeling tight or flaky
- Temporary stinging or redness – sensitive or compromised skin barriers may react with a brief flush or tingle during use
- Eye irritation – if the lather enters the eyes it can cause watering or discomfort similar to other surfactants
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare immune reactions such as persistent redness itching or small bumps can develop in individuals allergic to the ingredient
- Color fade in chemically dyed hair – frequent washing with any foaming cleanser, including this one, may accelerate loss of artificial pigments
If you experience any of the above discontinue use and consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic). Disodium C12-14 Sec-Alketh-9 Sulfosuccinate is highly water soluble and designed to rinse away cleanly, which means it does not hang around on skin long enough to block pores. It works by loosening oil and debris, then leaving with the rinse water, so residue is minimal to none. Because of this quick rinse-off profile and its lack of heavy or greasy components, it earns the lowest possible score on the comedogenic scale.
This makes the ingredient a safe pick for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. In fact its ability to sweep away excess sebum can help keep pores clearer in daily use.
One extra note: as with any foaming cleanser, pairing it with very hot water or scrubbing too hard can still irritate skin, which might indirectly trigger blemishes for some users. Gentle use is the key.
Summary
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Alketh-9 Sulfosuccinate acts as a cleanser, foam booster and hydrotrope. It loosens dirt and oil so water can wash them off, adds rich lather that feels pleasant in use and helps keep fragrances or oils evenly mixed so products stay clear and stable.
While not as universally famous as classic sulfates, it enjoys steady popularity among formulators looking for a milder substitute that still delivers bubbles people love. You will spot it most often in shampoos, body washes and gentle facial cleansers.
Safety studies and decades of use show it is well tolerated for the vast majority of users in rinse-off products, with only occasional reports of dryness or irritation. As with any new skincare item, it is wise to try a small patch first to ensure your skin agrees before adding it to your full routine.