What Is Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate?
Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate is a synthetic ingredient whose chemical name is Sodium 1,2-bis(tridecyloxycarbonyl)ethanesulphonate. It belongs to a group of mild surfactants that help water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. The molecule is built around a sulfosuccinate backbone linked to long tridecyl (13-carbon) chains, a structure that gives it both water-loving and oil-loving parts.
The ingredient was first introduced to toiletries in the mid-20th century as chemists searched for surfactants that cleaned well yet felt gentle on skin. Over time formulators noticed its ability to boost foam and keep thick products pourable, which led to broader use in shampoos and skin cleansers.
Manufacturing starts with reacting tridecyl alcohol with maleic anhydride to create a di-ester. This intermediate is then sulfonated and neutralized with sodium salts, producing a white to pale yellow powder or liquid concentrate.
Today you will most often spot Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate in face and body washes, bubble baths, exfoliating scrubs, clay or cream masks, micellar waters, foaming hand soaps and some gentle shampoos. It can also appear in sprayable lotions and serums where a clear, stable solution is needed.
Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators value this multitasking surfactant for several practical reasons
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, makeup and excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier which helps leave skin feeling clean yet comfortable
- Foam Boosting: Enhances the volume and stability of lather so products feel richer and spread more easily over skin or hair
- Hydrotrope: Keeps oils, fragrances and other insoluble ingredients evenly dispersed in a water-based formula allowing for clear, uniform products that stay stable over time
Who Can Use Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
This mild cleansing agent suits most skin types including oily, combination, normal and even many sensitive or dry skins because it cleans without harsh stripping. Those with very reactive or compromised skin barriers should still monitor for any tightness or stinging since it is an anionic surfactant.
The ingredient is manufactured from synthetic or plant-derived raw materials and contains no animal components so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No data suggest a risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in finished cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare products with a qualified healthcare provider.
Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with sunscreens or other sunlight-related concerns.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet most users experience none of them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and rinsed off as directed.
- Skin dryness prolonged contact or high concentrations may pull away surface oils leaving skin feeling tight
- Irritation or redness very sensitive or compromised skin might tingle or flush especially with repeated use
- Eye stinging can cause temporary discomfort if a foaming cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis rare cases of rash or itching have been reported in individuals allergic to sulfosuccinates
If any unwanted reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate is a large water-soluble surfactant that rinses away easily so it has little opportunity to lodge inside pores. It is not an oil or wax and does not leave behind a greasy residue, which keeps its clogging potential very low. The small chance of buildup in leave-on formulas earns it a cautious 1 rather than a perfect 0.
Overall it is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Because this ingredient is almost always used in rinse-off cleansers any residue left on skin is minimal further lowering the risk of pore blockage.
Summary
Ditridecyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate acts as a gentle cleanser, foam booster and hydrotrope. Its split personality molecule has a water-loving head that binds to water and an oil-loving tail that grabs dirt and sebum so everything lifts away when you rinse. The same structure traps air to create rich bubbles and keeps oily fragrance or active ingredients evenly mixed in watery bases so products stay clear and stable.
It is a handy yet somewhat niche ingredient seen most often in mild face washes, body washes and bubble baths rather than in every product on the shelf, but formulators who need a gentle surfactant that also stabilizes complex formulas rely on it regularly.
Current safety data show a low risk of irritation or allergy at the small levels used in cosmetics, especially when the product is rinsed off. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a finished product before full use just to be on the safe side.