What Is Disodium Peg-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Peg-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate is a mild, palm-derived surfactant created by linking palm oil glycerides with about eight units of ethylene oxide and then attaching a sulfosuccinate group neutralized with sodium. The result is a water-soluble, salt-form compound that carries both oil-loving and water-loving parts, letting it mingle with oils while rinsing away easily. Palm oil has been a staple raw material for soaps since the 19th century, and as formulators sought gentler alternatives to traditional sulfates, chemists adapted classic palm glycerides into this modern, softer cleanser during the late 20th century.
Manufacturing starts with refining sustainable palm oil into mono-, di- and triglycerides. These glycerides are reacted with ethylene oxide to reach an average of eight ethoxy units, then they undergo esterification with maleic anhydride followed by sulfitation and neutralization with sodium hydroxide. The multi-step process yields a liquid or paste that blends smoothly into water-based formulations.
You will most often spot Disodium Peg-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate in facial cleansers, body washes, baby shampoos, micellar waters and exfoliating masks where a gentle cleansing action is needed without stripping skin. It can also appear in makeup removers and sensitive skin serums that require light foaming or solubilizing of oils.
Disodium Peg-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for its role in cleaning the skin and hair while staying kind to the barrier.
- Cleansing – lifts away dirt, makeup, excess oil and impurities while producing a soft, low-irritation foam. It helps formulators create sulfate-free products that leave skin feeling refreshed but not tight or squeaky
Who Can Use Disodium Peg-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate
This cleanser is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin, because it removes grime without aggressively stripping natural oils. Those with very reactive or compromised skin often find it gentler than sulfate-based surfactants. There are no specific skin types that must steer clear, but anyone extremely sensitive to palm derivatives or surfactants in general should be cautious.
The ingredient is sourced from palm oil, a plant raw material, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Some consumers choose to avoid palm-derived ingredients for environmental reasons and may want confirmation that the product uses sustainably certified palm oil.
No data suggest that topical use poses a special risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their skincare choices past a doctor to be safe.
Disodium Peg-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no added concern about photosensitivity.
Its mild profile also makes it common in baby shampoos and tear-free washes, underscoring its suitability for young children when used as directed.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients can vary from person to person. The following are potential side effects, yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild eye stinging if the formula gets into the eyes, especially at higher concentrations
- Transient skin irritation such as slight redness or itching in very sensitive individuals
- Dryness or tightness if used in an overly concentrated or poorly balanced cleanser
- Allergic contact dermatitis in the rare event of a true allergy to the surfactant or trace residues
If any irritation, discomfort or rash develops, discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Disodium Peg-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate is a fully water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and does not leave an oily film on skin. Because it breaks up oils instead of depositing them, it has almost no chance of blocking pores. For that reason it is generally considered safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Since this ingredient is almost always used in rinse-off cleansers, any brief skin contact further reduces the risk of pore clogging.
Summary
Disodium Peg-8 Palm Glycerides Sulfosuccinate is a gentle palm-based cleanser that lifts away dirt, makeup and excess oil without stripping the skin barrier. Its balanced oil-loving and water-loving structure lets it dissolve grime then wash away easily, giving formulas a mild foam and a soft after-feel.
While not as famous as classic sulfates or trendy amino acid surfactants, it has a solid following in sulfate-free facial washes, baby shampoos and micellar waters where a kinder touch is needed.
Current safety data show a low risk of irritation or long-term harm when used as directed. As with any new skincare product it is smart to patch test first in case your skin is sensitive to a specific formula.