What Is Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate?
Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate is a mild surfactant created by attaching a long stearyl (18-carbon) fatty chain to a sulfosuccinate backbone, then neutralising the molecule with two sodium ions. The result is a white to off-white powder or flake that dissolves easily in water and helps water mix with oils and dirt. The raw stearyl part usually comes from vegetable fats such as coconut or palm, while the sulfosuccinate portion is made by reacting maleic anhydride with sodium bisulfite. Chemists combined these building blocks in the 1950s when the beauty industry started looking for gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. Because the molecule is larger and carries two negative charges, it is less irritating to skin than many classic sulfate surfactants.
Manufacturing begins with stearyl alcohol, which is converted to stearylamine, reacted with maleic anhydride to form an amide-maleate, then treated with sodium bisulfite and sodium hydroxide. The final solid is filtered, dried and milled for use in formulas.
You will most often see Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate in liquid cleansers, facial washes, baby shampoos, micellar waters, bath foams, makeup removers and exfoliating masks. It is also added to some creamy body washes, scalp scrubs and sulfate free hair care to improve foam and rinsability.
Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls its weight in several ways inside a formula
- Cleansing: Lifts away oil, sweat and product buildup so they can be rinsed off with water, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh but not stripped
- Foam Boosting: Enhances the amount and stability of lather, giving users the rich bubbles they expect from a cleanser or shampoo
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep other cleansing agents, fragrances and actives evenly mixed in a water-based product, preventing separation and ensuring uniform performance
Who Can Use Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate
Thanks to its mild nature Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and sensitive. Very dry or eczema-prone skin can also benefit because it cleanses without pulling out extra moisture, though people in this group may still prefer formulas blended with added conditioners to avoid any tight feel.
The stearyl portion of the molecule is commonly sourced from plant oils such as coconut or sustainably farmed palm, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If a brand discloses animal-derived sourcing that product would no longer meet vegan standards but this is rare in modern supply chains.
No data links this surfactant to hormonal effects or fetal development issues, so it is considered acceptable for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their skincare choices past a qualified healthcare provider to be extra safe.
Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used in daytime cleansers without increasing the risk of sunburn.
It is also compatible with leave-on formulations like micellar waters and gentle exfoliating pads, providing mild cleansing without weighing the skin down.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any topical ingredient differ from person to person. The points below outline possible but uncommon reactions users might encounter when using Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate in skincare or haircare. When properly formulated most people will not notice any negatives.
- Mild skin irritation – rare stinging or redness, usually in individuals with highly reactive or compromised skin barriers
- Eye irritation – temporary tearing or burning if cleanser runs into the eyes, more likely in concentrated formulas
- Contact dermatitis – very uncommon itching or rash due to individual allergy to the molecule or to impurities left from manufacturing
- Dryness or tight feel – possible in high-foaming products without added emollients especially for very dry skin types
If any irritation or adverse reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate sits at the low end of the scale because it is a large water-soluble surfactant that rinses off easily and does not linger inside pores. It lacks the heavy oily structure that tends to clog follicles. Most formulas use it at modest levels and pair it with other mild cleansers, further limiting any pore-blocking risk.
Suitable for acne-prone skin, though the full product formula still matters. If a cleanser combines this ingredient with rich oils or waxes the final pore-clogging potential may rise.
No published studies link this surfactant to an increase in blackheads or breakouts. Still, individual skin responses can vary.
Summary
Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinamate is a gentle multitasker that cleanses, boosts foam and keeps water-based products stable. It does this by surrounding dirt and oil so they can be lifted away, trapping air to make lasting bubbles and improving the mix of ingredients in a formula.
While not as famous as sulfate surfactants it shows up in a growing number of sulfate-free face and hair cleansers because users want mild yet foamy washes. Brands like its balance of gentleness and performance at a reasonable cost.
Safety data rank it as low irritation for most users. Rinse-off use keeps exposure short and the molecule does not build up in skin. As with any new product a quick patch test is smart so you can spot rare sensitivities before applying it to the whole face or scalp.