What Is Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate is a synthetic ingredient made from a blend of medium-chain fatty alcohols that have been reacted with about nine units of ethylene oxide, then partially joined with sulfosuccinic acid, and finally neutralized with sodium. The result is a gentle surfactant that is water soluble.
Laboratories first explored this class of sulfosuccinates in the late 1960s when the personal care industry looked for alternatives to harsher sulfates. Over time its mildness and ability to create rich lather secured its place in shampoos and body washes, and the name began appearing on product labels in the 1990s.
The manufacturing process starts with plant- or petroleum-derived C12-C14 alcohols. These are ethoxylated to the desired average of nine ethylene oxide units. The resulting material is then esterified with sulfosuccinic acid, producing a half-ester that carries a negative charge. Neutralization with sodium carbonate or hydroxide turns it into its final disodium salt form.
Because it balances cleansing power with skin friendliness, formulators use Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate in a range of rinse-off products such as shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, kids’ bath products, hand soaps, shaving foams and exfoliating scrubs. It can also show up in micellar waters and some makeup removers where mild yet effective cleansing is needed.
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient offers several roles in a formula, each adding to product performance and skin feel
- Cleansing: Lifts away oil, dirt and leftover makeup without the tight feeling often linked to stronger surfactants
- Skin conditioning: Leaves a soft after-feel that helps counter any dryness from washing
- Foam boosting: Enhances the volume and stability of lather so the product feels richer during use
- Hydrotrope: Improves the ability of a formula to keep other ingredients dissolved which supports clear, uniform products
Who Can Use Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate
This mild surfactant is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it cleans without stripping the skin’s natural lipids. People with very dry or eczema-prone skin may still prefer a shorter contact time or follow up with a moisturizer since any cleanser can remove some surface oils.
The ingredient is made from plant or petroleum feedstocks and contains no animal by-products so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No research points to specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on personal care products. This information is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare choices with a healthcare provider to be safe.
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate does not cause photosensitivity and will not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It is also safe for use on color-treated hair because its mild action helps preserve dye molecules.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are only possibilities and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated in a finished product
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, usually linked to highly concentrated formulas or prolonged contact times
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally enters the eyes
- Dryness or tightness in individuals with very dry or compromised skin barriers
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where someone is specifically sensitized to the molecule
If you experience any of these reactions discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic). Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off completely and does not leave behind oily or occlusive residues that could clog pores. It sits on the skin for only a brief moment during cleansing which further limits any chance of buildup. For these reasons it is considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Because its molecular structure is designed to interact with water rather than skin lipids, it has no affinity for sebum and will not contribute to blackheads or whiteheads. In the rare case a product containing heavy oils also includes this surfactant, the comedogenic potential would come from those oils rather than from the sulfosuccinate itself.
Summary
Disodium C12-14 Sec-Pareth-9 Sulfosuccinate serves mainly as a mild cleanser, foam booster, skin-conditioning agent and hydrotrope. Its partially sulfonated structure lifts away dirt and oil while its ethoxylated chains give a soft after-feel. It also helps other ingredients stay dissolved so formulas stay clear and stable.
The ingredient is a popular choice in shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers as brands look for gentler alternatives to traditional sulfates. While it may not be as widely recognized by consumers as sulfate names, formulators value its balance of performance and mildness.
Current safety data show a low risk of irritation for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this surfactant before full use.