What Is Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate is a plant-derived ingredient made by reacting hydrogenated cottonseed oil with a mild sulfosuccinic acid then neutralizing the mixture with sodium. The process turns the oil’s natural glycerides into a water-friendly powder or paste that can slip easily into many formulas. Cottonseed oil has been a household staple since the late 1800s and chemists began modifying it in the mid-20th century to serve the growing demand for gentle cleansers. By attaching sulfosuccinate groups to the oil’s fatty backbone they created a surfactant that cleans like soap yet feels far milder on skin and hair. Today you will spot Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate in liquid or bar cleansers, bubble baths, facial washes, shampoos, baby care, sheet masks and even lightweight moisturizers where a bit of foam or enhanced rinse-off is welcome.
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators lean on this versatile ingredient for several key jobs that improve how a product works and feels.
- Antistatic – Helps stop hair from clinging and fly-aways after washing so strands stay smoother and easier to style.
- Cleansing – Lifts dirt oil and product buildup from skin or hair then rinses them away without the tight squeaky feel harsher detergents can leave.
- Emulsifying – Keeps water and oil phases blended which gives creams lotions or cleansing milks a stable uniform texture.
- Foam Boosting – Adds extra bubbles and creamy lather making washes and shampoos feel more luxurious while helping spread the product evenly.
This gentle surfactant is considered friendly for nearly all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it cleans without stripping natural oils. Those with a known allergy to cottonseed or sulfosuccinates, or with an extremely compromised skin barrier, may want to avoid it or use with extra caution as even mild cleansers can cause stinging on raw or broken skin.
The ingredient is obtained from plant-based cottonseed oil and contains no animal derivatives so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
No data suggests it poses a specific risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a healthcare professional before use to be sure it fits their personal situation.
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate does not increase photosensitivity and has no known issues related to sun exposure.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate can vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, especially on broken or very dry skin
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to cottonseed derivatives or sulfosuccinates
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
This modified cottonseed oil is highly processed into a water soluble surfactant so it rinses completely and does not sit on skin like pure oils that can clog pores. Its fatty acids are bound to sulfosuccinate groups which greatly lower their ability to block follicles, giving it a very low likelihood of triggering comedones.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in both face and body cleansers since it is classed as low comedogenic and is usually washed off within seconds. Leave-on products with high percentages are rare but would still be unlikely to cause issues for most users.
No notable interactions with common acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid have been reported.
Summary
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate is a plant-based surfactant that lifts grime, stabilises oil-water mixes, tames static, boosts foam and does it all with a gentle touch. Chemists value it for giving creamy lather without the harshness of sulphates so it shows up in shampoos, facial washes, baby cleansers and the occasional lightweight lotion.
While not a blockbuster name like cocamidopropyl betaine it enjoys steady popularity among formulators who want a mild cottonseed-derived alternative that supports vegan claims. Safety data mark it as low irritation, low sensitisation and virtually non-comedogenic although eye contact can sting.
Overall it is considered safe for daily use on most skin and hair types. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to patch test a fresh product first, watch for any redness or itching and then enjoy the silky clean finish this gentle surfactant provides.