What Is Disodium Palmitamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Palmitamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is a gentle, water-soluble ingredient made from palmitic acid, a fatty acid found in palm oil, combined with a small chain of ethylene oxide units and neutralized with sodium. The result is a mild surfactant that carries both water-loving and oil-loving parts, letting it mix oils with water and lift away grime.
The compound appeared in personal care labs in the late twentieth century when formulators were searching for milder replacements for harsh sulfates. By attaching the sulfosuccinate group to a fatty acid and adding just two ethylene oxide links, chemists created a cleanser that forms a rich yet low-irritation lather. Today it is produced through a two-step reaction: first palmitic acid is converted to an amide, then it is reacted with maleic anhydride followed by neutralization with sodium to yield the disodium salt. The short ethoxylation step (only two units) keeps the molecule biodegradable and skin-friendly.
You will most often see Disodium Palmitamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate in face and body washes, baby shampoos, bubble baths, micellar waters, sulfate-free shampoos, liquid hand soaps and some cream cleansers where formulators want a soft foam that rinses clean without stripping the skin.
Disodium Palmitamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking surfactant brings several helpful roles to a formula:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature surrounds oil, dirt and makeup so they can be rinsed away with water leaving skin and hair fresh yet comfortable.
- Foam Boosting: It builds a creamy, stable lather that makes washes feel luxurious and improves spreadability even in hard water.
- Hydrotrope: It helps keep other cleansing agents evenly dispersed in a liquid formula preventing separation and allowing brands to create clear low-viscosity products without extra thickeners.
Who Can Use Disodium Palmitamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate
This ingredient is considered suitable for most skin types including normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin because it cleans without stripping the natural moisture barrier. People with very compromised or eczema-prone skin may still prefer shorter contact cleansers or patch-test formulas containing it, as any surfactant can feel drying if left on too long.
Because the molecule is manufactured from palmitic acid sourced from plant oil and does not rely on any animal by-products, it is generally viewed as vegan and vegetarian friendly. Those who avoid palm-derived ingredients for environmental reasons can look for brands that certify sustainably sourced palm oil.
No data suggest that topical use poses a risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used in rinse-off amounts commonly found in cleansers. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should discuss any skincare product with a qualified healthcare provider to be extra safe.
Disodium Palmitamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is not known to cause photosensitivity. It rinses away completely and does not interfere with sunscreen actives or makeup applied afterward.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients can differ from one person to another. The following list covers possible side effects that might occur in rare cases. When the ingredient is used at the low concentrations typical for finished products most users will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or tightness, especially on very dry or damaged skin
- Transient stinging if the cleanser remains in contact with eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitized to surfactants or to residual manufacturing impurities
- Increased transepidermal water loss leading to a feeling of dryness when used too frequently without following up with moisturizer
If any discomfort or visible reaction appears after using a product containing this ingredient stop use immediately and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 (non-comedogenic)
Disodium Palmitamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that does not linger on skin once rinsed away. It has no oily or waxy residue that could block pores and its molecular size and polarity prevent it from lodging in follicles. For these reasons it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because this ingredient is almost always used in rinse-off cleansers the risk of pore clogging is even lower than its chemistry already suggests.
Summary
Disodium Palmitamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant that cleanses, boosts foam and acts as a hydrotrope. Its dual oil-loving and water-loving structure surrounds dirt and sebum so they wash away easily, while its sulfosuccinate head group whips up a creamy lather and keeps other cleansing agents in solution.
Although not as famous as classic sulfates or trendy amino acid surfactants, it is quietly popular in gentle face washes, baby shampoos and sulfate-free formulas because it strikes a balance between effective cleansing and skin comfort.
Available safety data show a low irritation profile at typical use levels and virtually no comedogenicity. Still, anytime you try a new product it is smart to patch test first to be sure your skin agrees with the formula.