What Is Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate is a mild, water-soluble surfactant made by combining long-chain fatty alcohols from coconut or palm oil with sulfosuccinic acid, then neutralizing the mixture with sodium hydroxide. The result is a disodium salt that carries both oil-loving and water-loving parts, allowing it to mix oily grime with rinse water.
The ingredient gained popularity in the early 1990s as brands looked for gentler alternatives to traditional sulfates. Its larger molecular size and negative charge make it less likely to penetrate or irritate skin, which is why formulators often reach for it when designing products for sensitive users.
Manufacturing starts with cetearyl alcohol, a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. These fatty alcohols undergo esterification with sulfosuccinic acid, creating sulfosuccinate esters. A final neutralization step with sodium hydroxide produces the stable disodium salt used in cosmetics.
Because of its versatility, Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate shows up in a wide range of formulas including facial cleansers, body washes, baby shampoos, micellar waters, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs, conditioning shampoos, bath foams and even some lightweight moisturizers that need a self-emulsifying base.
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators include this ingredient for several practical reasons
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away dirt, excess oil and product buildup without stripping the skin or hair lipid layer
- Foaming: Generates a soft creamy lather that helps users feel the product is working while aiding spreadability
- Skin Conditioning: Leaves a light emollient film that can reduce the squeaky-clean feel associated with harsher detergents
- Emulsifying: Helps keep oil and water phases blended, improving the stability and texture of creams, lotions and rinse-off masks
- Foam Boosting: Enhances and stabilizes foam produced by other surfactants, allowing formulators to lower overall surfactant load for a milder wash
- Hydrotrope: Improves the solubility of fragrance oils and other hydrophobic ingredients, preventing cloudiness or separation in clear gels and liquids
Who Can Use Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because its large molecular size makes it less likely to penetrate or disturb the skin barrier. Those with very reactive or compromised skin should still proceed with caution since even mild surfactants can cause discomfort if the barrier is already damaged.
The ingredient is plant derived when sourced from coconut or palm oil so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full ingredient list in case animal derived additives are present elsewhere in the formula.
Current safety data do not flag any specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is informational only and not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review any skincare products they plan to use.
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate does not increase photosensitivity, so there is no special need to avoid sun exposure beyond routine daily sun protection.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur with Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate though most users will not experience them when the product is properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness, itching or stinging, especially on compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where an individual is sensitized to the molecule
- Dryness if used in very high concentrations or paired with other stripping surfactants
If you notice any discomfort or unusual reaction while using a product that contains this ingredient discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate scores low because its water-soluble, salt form rinses clean without leaving an oily residue that could clog pores. Although it is made from long-chain fatty alcohols, the sulfosuccinate structure shifts the molecule from oil-loving to water-loving, minimizing any blockage risk.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Formulas that pair this ingredient with heavy occlusives or leave-on oils could still feel greasy, so end results depend on the overall product blend rather than the surfactant alone.
Summary
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate acts as a gentle multitasker: it cleanses by surrounding dirt with micelles that rinse away, boosts and stabilizes foam for a satisfying lather, conditions skin with a light emollient film, keeps oil-and-water systems mixed and improves solubility of stubborn fragrance or actives.
The ingredient enjoyed a rise in popularity with the shift toward sulfate-free cleansers, especially in baby care and sensitive skin lines. It is not as mainstream as sodium lauryl sulfate but has carved out a niche in kinder-cleansing formulas.
Current research and decades of safe use show a low irritation and allergen profile when used at standard cosmetic levels. Even so personal sensitivities vary, so patch test any new product that features this ingredient to ensure it plays nicely with your skin.