What Is Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate is a surfactant made from β-sitosterol, a plant sterol that naturally occurs in vegetable oils such as corn, soy and canola. Chemists link sitosterol to roughly fourteen units of ethylene oxide, then attach a sulfosuccinate group and neutralize it with sodium to create a water-soluble salt. This gives the molecule a long oil-loving part and a charged water-loving part, letting it mingle with both oil and water.
The ingredient first appeared in personal care labs in the late 1960s when formulators were looking for milder cleansing agents than the harsh soaps of the day. By tweaking plant sterols with modern surfactant chemistry they produced a compound that cleans well yet feels gentle on skin.
Today manufacturers make it in several steps: ethoxylation of sitosterol, reaction with maleic anhydride to form the succinate, sulfonation to add the sulfate group and finally neutralization with sodium carbonate. The result is a fine powder or viscous liquid that dissolves easily in water.
You will most often find Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoos, body washes, bubble baths, clay or sheet masks, lightweight lotions and creams where it also helps keep oil and water blended.
Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient plays more than one helpful role
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away dirt, excess oil and makeup while producing a soft creamy foam. Because the sitosterol backbone is naturally soothing it tends to be less drying than many classic sulfates making it suitable for sensitive skin products
- Emulsifying: The molecule’s split personality lets it hold oil and water together in stable emulsions. This keeps creams, lotions and masks from separating so the texture stays smooth and the active ingredients are delivered evenly
Who Can Use Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate
This mild surfactant is generally considered suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it cleans without stripping away the natural moisture barrier. Extremely reactive or eczema-prone skin may still want to proceed carefully as any surfactant can cause discomfort if the barrier is already compromised.
Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate is derived from plant sterols so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards and is not produced from animal sources or tested on animals when brands follow cruelty-free policies.
Current safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review the full ingredient list of a product with a qualified healthcare professional before use just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Regular daytime sunscreen use is still encouraged for overall skin health.
It is also considered non-comedogenic and fragrance free by itself so it rarely clogs pores or triggers fragrance-related irritation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as intended.
- Mild transient stinging or tingling on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Temporary redness or flushing, usually from over-cleansing or leaving the product on too long
- Dryness if used in a high-foaming cleanser without enough moisturizing ingredients
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to plant sterol derivatives or sulfated surfactants
- Eye irritation if the formula accidentally gets into the eyes during washing
If any irritation or unusual reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5. Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate is a large water soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and does not stay behind in pores, so it is unlikely to trap oil or debris that could trigger comedones. Its plant sterol backbone is not oily in the finished salt form and the charged sulfosuccinate group keeps the molecule moving freely in water rather than sticking to skin.
Because of this low clogging potential it is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. As with any surfactant, overall formula design matters more than the single ingredient: heavy occlusives or rich emollients paired with it can still cause congestion, but on its own the ingredient poses minimal risk.
Summary
Disodium Sitostereth-14 Sulfosuccinate works mainly as a gentle cleanser and an emulsifier. Its dual nature lets the oil-loving sitosterol portion grab onto sebum and makeup while the water-loving sulfosuccinate end pulls everything into the rinse water, leaving skin or hair fresh without a tight after-feel. In lotions and masks the same split personality keeps oily and watery phases blended so the texture stays stable from the first use to the last.
It is not one of the trendiest ingredients on social media and you will rarely see it called out on front labels, yet chemists value it for formulating mild low-irritation cleansers. You will find it tucked into many micellar waters, creamy face washes and gentle shampoos that market themselves as sulfate-free.
Current safety reviews rate it as low risk with very rare reports of sensitivity. Still, every skin type is different so it is wise to patch test new products that contain it just to ensure personal comfort.