What Is Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate is a gentle surfactant made from lanolin alcohols that have been reacted with ethylene oxide, then linked to a sulfosuccinate group and neutralized with sodium. The lanolin part comes from the natural waxy coating found on sheep wool, which is cleaned and purified before use. By the mid-20th century chemists discovered that modifying lanolin alcohols in this way produced a cleanser that was far milder than traditional soaps. Over time it found its way into shampoos and facial cleansers aimed at people with dry or sensitive skin.
The ingredient is produced in several steps. First lanolin alcohols are treated with ethylene oxide to create a chain of five repeating ethoxy units, giving the “Laneth-5” part of the name. Next the material is reacted with maleic anhydride and sodium sulfite to introduce the sulfosuccinate group, then it is neutralized with sodium hydroxide to give a stable disodium salt. The result is a water-soluble powder or liquid that blends easily into cosmetic bases.
You will most often see Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate in sulfate-free shampoos, creamy face washes, bubble baths, body washes and baby cleansers. Because it is mild and helps other ingredients mix evenly it is also used in masks, exfoliating scrubs and some micellar waters.
Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient improves both how a product works and how it feels on the skin.
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and leftover makeup without stripping the skin’s natural barrier, leaving hair or skin feeling clean yet comfortable
- Foam Boosting: Builds a rich creamy lather that many users associate with effective cleansing, making washes and shampoos more pleasant to use
- Hydrotrope: Helps water and oil based ingredients stay mixed so the formula remains clear and uniform, preventing separation during storage
Who Can Use Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate
This mild surfactant suits most skin and scalp types including dry sensitive and mature because it cleans without harsh stripping. Normal and combination types can also benefit from its balanced cleansing action while very oily skin may prefer something stronger for a deep degrease. Anyone with a known allergy to lanolin or wool derivatives should avoid it since the molecule still carries traces of the original lanolin structure.
Because the raw material is derived from sheep wool Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate is not considered vegan friendly. Vegetarians who are comfortable with wool sourced ingredients may choose to use it but strict vegans will likely pass.
Current safety data show no reproductive toxicity so products containing this ingredient are generally viewed as safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should confirm any skincare routine with their doctor to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight so it is not linked to photosensitivity. Its gentle nature also makes it popular in baby washes and tear free shampoos though each product formula as a whole should be assessed for infant use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects but they remain uncommon when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well formulated product.
- Mild eye irritation if the cleanser gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Transient skin tightness on very dehydrated skin types
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to lanolin or wool alcohols
- Scalp dryness or flaking when used in high concentration shampoos
If any irritation redness or discomfort occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
The molecule is highly water soluble and rinses away instead of lingering in pores so the clogging risk is very low. Its large size further limits penetration into follicles. A trace of lanolin residues keeps the score from being a perfect 0 but issues remain rare.
Generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
If paired with heavy leave on emollients the overall formula could still feel occlusive even though this surfactant alone is low risk.
Summary
Disodium Laneth-5 Sulfosuccinate acts as a gentle cleanser foam booster and hydrotrope. Its surfactant head binds to dirt while the ethoxy chain cushions the action so debris lifts away without stripping natural moisture and the hydrotrope property keeps the whole mix uniform.
It is a quiet workhorse found in sulfate free shampoos creamy face washes and baby bath products rather than a headline ingredient but formulators value its mildness.
Safety studies rate it low in irritation or toxicity making it acceptable for most users. Still do a quick patch test with any new product to be sure your skin agrees.