What Is Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate is a mild, water-soluble surfactant made from plant-derived lauryl alcohol, usually sourced from coconut or palm kernels. Chemically it is the disodium salt of 4-dodecyl 2-sulphonatosuccinic acid, which means it carries two sodium ions that help it dissolve easily in water. The ingredient was introduced in the 1960s as a gentler option to stronger sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, giving formulators a way to create rich foam without the same level of irritation.
Production starts with lauryl alcohol reacting with maleic anhydride to form a succinate backbone. This backbone is then sulfonated to add cleansing power, after which sodium hydroxide neutralizes the mixture to its final salt form. The result is a soft white powder or paste that blends smoothly into water-based products.
You will often find disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, baby washes, shaving creams and even some toothpastes. Because it is milder than many other surfactants, it shows up in formulas aimed at sensitive skin or color-treated hair, as well as in products that promise a creamy, cushiony lather.
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient brings several helpful traits to personal care formulas:
- Cleansing: Lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and daily grime lift away easily, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh without a stripped sensation
- Foaming: Produces a dense stable lather that gives the user a satisfying sensory experience while also helping the cleanser spread evenly
- Skin conditioning: Has a softer charge profile than harsher sulfates which helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture level and reduces the chance of tightness after rinsing
- Foam boosting: Works alongside other surfactants to increase bubble volume and longevity allowing formulators to cut back on stronger cleansers and still keep a rich foam
- Hydrotrope: Improves the solubility of other ingredients so the final product stays clear and uniform even at high fragrance or oil loads
Who Can Use Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
Because it is considered a mild surfactant, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination skin. People with sensitive or eczema-prone skin often find it gentler than stronger sulfates, though very reactive skin may still prefer fragrance-free formulas to lower the overall risk of irritation.
The ingredient is made from plant-derived fatty alcohols so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians when the finished product is manufactured by a company that avoids animal testing and animal-based additives.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off products like cleansers or shampoos. This information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review new products with a doctor to be extra cautious.
Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate does not increase photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also considered non-comedogenic so it should not clog pores, making it a reasonable choice for acne-prone users looking for a gentle foaming agent.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness if the overall formula lacks moisturizers
- Temporary redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals who are specifically allergic to sulfosuccinate compounds
- Worsening of existing eczema in rare cases where the skin barrier is already compromised
If any discomfort, redness or rash develops while using a product that contains disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, stop using it and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate is fully water-soluble and rinses off cleanly, so it does not leave a fatty residue that could block pores. Its molecular structure is larger and less greasy than traditional fatty acids, further reducing any chance of buildup inside follicles. For these reasons it earns a solid zero and is generally safe for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
Because it is normally used in rinse-off products at low concentrations, even users of heavy leave-on skin care will rarely experience pore congestion from this ingredient.
Summary
Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate acts mainly as a cleanser, foam producer, mild skin conditioner, foam booster and hydrotrope. Its sulfosuccinate head latches onto oil and dirt while its sodium salt form keeps it fully dispersible in water, letting grime rinse away without stripping the skin. The dual sodium ions also help stabilize bubbles, giving products a dense creamy lather that feels luxurious yet gentle.
The ingredient has gained steady popularity as brands move toward sulfate-free formulas that still need satisfying foam. You will spot it in everything from baby wash to color-safe shampoo although it is not quite as ubiquitous as older surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate.
Current safety reviews rate it as low irritation and non-sensitizing when used as directed. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is smart to patch test new products containing disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate before adding them to a routine.