What Is Disodium Lauramido Peg-5 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Lauramido Peg-5 Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant made from lauric acid, a fatty acid most often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemists attach about five units of ethylene oxide to the lauric acid then add a sulfosuccinate group, finishing with neutralization into its disodium salt form. The result is a water-soluble ingredient that lowers the surface tension between oil and water, helping grime lift away without harshness.
The ingredient first appeared in the 1960s when formulators looked for gentle alternatives to sulfates. Its balance of cleansing power and skin friendliness quickly made it popular in personal care. Today you will spot it in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, baby washes, bubble baths, micellar waters and sometimes in scrubs or masks where extra foam is desired.
Disodium Lauramido Peg-5 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient lends several helpful roles to a formula:
- Cleansing – lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup so skin and hair feel fresh and non-greasy
- Foaming – creates a rich, cushiony lather that spreads product evenly and gives users a pleasant sensory experience
- Hydrotrope – keeps other cleansing agents evenly mixed in water-based formulas, preventing separation and allowing for clear, stable products
Who Can Use Disodium Lauramido Peg-5 Sulfosuccinate
This mild surfactant suits most skin types, including oily, combination and sensitive, because it cleans without stripping the skin’s natural lipids. Very dry or compromised skin may need a formula that pairs it with extra moisturizers to prevent tightness.
The ingredient is generally considered vegan and vegetarian friendly since it is manufactured from plant-derived fatty acids like coconut or palm sources rather than animal fats. As always, final confirmation depends on the full ingredient list and the brand’s sourcing policies.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used as intended in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is not medical advice; anyone who is expecting or nursing should review new products with a healthcare professional to be safe.
Disodium Lauramido Peg-5 Sulfosuccinate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also non ionic, so it plays well with most other common skincare ingredients.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Disodium Lauramido Peg-5 Sulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation – A small number of users may notice redness, itching or a stinging sensation, especially if their skin barrier is already compromised
- Eye irritation – Like most surfactants it can sting or cause tearing if it gets into the eyes
- Contact allergy – Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported, typically presenting as localized rash or swelling
- Dryness with overuse – Excessively frequent cleansing or high concentrations can leave skin or hair feeling dry or squeaky
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Disodium Lauramido Peg-5 Sulfosuccinate is highly water-soluble and does not leave an oily film on the skin, so it is very unlikely to clog pores. Its molecules rinse away easily and are not known to feed acne-causing bacteria. As a result this ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Only in rare cases where a formula contains a very high percentage or is left on the skin could there be any pore-clogging concern, but this is uncommon in commercial products.
Summary
Disodium Lauramido Peg-5 Sulfosuccinate acts as a gentle cleanser, foam booster and hydrotrope. It loosens dirt and oil by reducing surface tension, whips up a creamy lather that makes washing feel pleasant and keeps other surfactants evenly mixed so the finished product stays clear and stable. You will find it in many modern sulfate-free shampoos, facial washes and baby cleansers because brands appreciate its blend of mildness with good performance. Safety reviews show it has a low irritation profile when used as intended, although any ingredient can bother very sensitive individuals. As with trying any new cosmetic it is smart to do a quick patch test first to be sure your skin likes it.