What Is Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate is a mild, water-soluble surfactant made by attaching ethylene oxide units to lauryl alcohol, then reacting the resulting ether with maleic anhydride and finally neutralizing the product with sodium carbonate. The outcome is a double sodium salt that carries both negative and neutral charges, allowing it to mix oil and water with less skin irritation than many older sulfates. First introduced in the late 1980s as brands searched for gentler cleansers, it quickly found a place in shampoos and body washes marketed for sensitive skin. Today it is produced on an industrial scale from plant-derived fatty alcohols, mainly coconut or palm kernel, processed in large reactors under controlled heat and pressure. You will spot it in foaming face washes, micellar waters, bubble baths, baby shampoos, shower gels, hand soaps and even some sheet masks that need a quick-rinsing cleanser built in.
Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its spot on the label because it improves both the feel and performance of wash-off formulas.
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while staying gentle on the skin’s natural barrier, helping products claim “soap-free” or “sulfate-free” status
- Foam Boosting: Adds rich, stable lather so the product feels luxurious and spreads easily over hair or skin
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep oils, fragrances and other actives evenly dispersed in water-based formulas which prevents cloudiness and separation
Who Can Use Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate
Because it is considered one of the milder lathering agents, Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate works for most skin types. Normal, oily and combination skin usually tolerate it well while sensitive skin often prefers it over harsher sulfates thanks to its lower irritation potential. Extremely dry or eczema-prone skin should still watch for tightness after rinsing, as any foaming cleanser can remove some surface oils.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant-derived fatty alcohols and does not rely on animal sources or animal testing by most major suppliers, making it generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the finished product for a certified cruelty-free or vegan logo if that is important to you.
Current safety data show no special warnings for pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and women who are pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past their doctor to be on the safe side.
Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also non-comedogenic and rinses away cleanly which lowers the chance of clogged pores.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that are possible yet unlikely for the average user when the ingredient appears in a well-formulated product.
- Mild stinging or redness on very sensitive or broken skin
- Transient eye irritation if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tight feeling when overused or combined with other strong surfactants
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to surfactants
If any discomfort or rash appears stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic). Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate is highly water-soluble and designed to rinse off completely, leaving little to no residue in pores. Its molecular structure is too large and too polar to sit inside follicle openings, so it does not promote blackheads or breakouts. This makes it well suited for people who are prone to acne or congestion.
Because it is almost always used in wash-off products, any small amount that might remain on the skin is quickly diluted by follow-up skincare, lowering clogging potential even further.
Summary
Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant prized for cleansing, foam boosting and hydrotrope abilities. It lowers surface tension to lift away dirt and oils, creates a creamy lather that feels pleasant in use and keeps oil-based ingredients evenly dispersed so formulas stay clear and stable. The ethoxylated backbone gives it extra solubility which softens its charge and makes it gentler than classic sulfates.
While it is not as famous as sodium laureth sulfate, it shows up in a steady stream of sulfate-free shampoos, baby washes, micellar waters and sensitive skin cleansers where brands want noticeable foam without harshness.
Current research rates it as low irritation and non-sensitizing for most users, with no major safety red flags. As with any new skincare ingredient, give your skin a quick patch test when trying a product that contains it just to be safe.