What Is Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate is a synthetic ingredient made by reacting medium-chain fatty alcohols derived from coconut or palm oil with a small number of ethylene oxide units, then linking them to sulfosuccinic acid and finally neutralizing the mix with sodium. The result is a mild, water-soluble powder or liquid that fits well into modern rinse-off formulas.
The compound was introduced in the late twentieth century as chemists searched for gentler cleansers that could still build foam. Traditional sulfates were effective yet sometimes harsh, so this sulfosuccinate offered a softer alternative that kept skin comfort in mind. Over time its balanced performance and easy compatibility with other ingredients led to wide adoption in personal care labs.
Production starts with splitting natural oils into C12-C14 alcohols, converting those to secondary alcohols, adding three ethylene oxide units on average, reacting with sulfosuccinic anhydride then adjusting pH with sodium salts. Each step is controlled to ensure low irritation potential and consistent quality.
You will commonly spot Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate in sulfate-free or mild shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, baby products, make-up removers and even some cleansing wipes. Its ability to boost foam without stripping skin makes it a handy choice whenever formulators want a gentle yet effective wash-off product.
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient supports several roles in a formula, each adding to the overall user experience and product performance.
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup so skin and hair feel fresh after rinsing
- Skin conditioning: Leaves a soft hydrated feel by reducing the squeaky tightness that some stronger surfactants can cause
- Foam boosting: Enhances lather volume and stability creating a rich cushiony foam that consumers associate with effective cleansing
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep other ingredients dissolved and evenly distributed which prevents separation and cloudy appearance in finished products
Who Can Use Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate
This mild surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive, dry, oily and combination. Its gentle cleansing action and low tendency to strip natural oils make it a friendly option for people who find traditional sulfates too harsh. Those with severely compromised or highly reactive skin should still monitor how their skin feels, as any surfactant can be too much when the barrier is already inflamed.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant sourced fatty alcohols and contains no animal derived components so it meets vegan and vegetarian criteria.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare choices by a qualified doctor just to be safe.
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate does not increase photosensitivity so there is no special need for extra sun precautions beyond usual daily SPF use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical use of Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that are possible yet unlikely for the typical user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation or stinging
- Transient redness after washing
- Dryness or tightness if used in very high concentrations or with overly hot water
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity
If you experience any of the above effects discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 — Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate is highly water-soluble and designed for rinse-off products, so it spends little time on skin and is unlikely to clog pores. Its molecular structure is bulky and ionic, meaning it prefers to stay in water rather than embed in sebum-filled follicles.
This low rating makes the ingredient generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because it is almost always used in cleansers that go down the drain within seconds, any residual film left behind is minimal, further reducing the chance of pore blockage.
Summary
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate acts as a gentle cleanser that lifts away oil and grime, conditions skin by avoiding the tight squeaky finish many surfactants cause, boosts foam for a satisfying lather and serves as a hydrotrope to keep complex formulas clear and stable. It achieves these roles through its balanced blend of fatty alcohol chains for cleansing power and sulfonate groups for water solubility.
While not as famous as sulfates or coco-betaines, it has become a quiet favorite in sulfate-free shampoos, baby washes and sensitive skin cleansers thanks to its mild profile and reliable performance.
Regulatory reviews and decades of consumer use show it to be safe in typical rinse-off concentrations with only rare reports of irritation. As with any new skincare product, a quick patch test is still the smartest way to spot individual sensitivities before full use.