What Is Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate is a mild, water-soluble surfactant made from medium-chain fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm oil. Chemically, it is the disodium salt of a sulfosuccinic acid that has been partly esterified and reacted with about two units of ethylene oxide. The result is a molecule with both water-loving and oil-loving parts, which lets it mix oils, dirt and water with ease.
Surfactants of this type first appeared in the 1950s when formulators looked for gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. Over time, improvements in ethoxylation and sulfonation methods made the ingredient affordable and reliable for personal care. Today manufacturers produce it in a multi-step process: they start by reacting C12-C14 fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide, attach the sulfosuccinic acid group in the presence of a catalyst, neutralize the mixture with sodium carbonate then purify and dry the final powder or liquid.
You will most often find Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, micellar waters and baby wash formulas. Because it is gentle while still creating a rich lather, it is also added to makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs, hand soaps and even some sheet mask essences.
Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this ingredient because it tackles several jobs at once, making products work better and feel nicer.
- Cleansing: Lifts away excess oil, makeup and daily grime without stripping the skin or hair so users are left feeling fresh yet comfortable
- Foam boosting: Enhances and stabilizes lather giving shampoos and washes that satisfying foam consumers expect which also helps spread the product evenly
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep otherwise hard-to-dissolve ingredients evenly dispersed in the formula improving clarity, texture and shelf stability
Who Can Use Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate
Because it is a mild surfactant with a skin friendly pH, Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate works well for most skin types including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Even people prone to dryness or redness often tolerate it because it cleans without aggressively stripping natural oils. Those with very compromised or broken skin should still approach any foaming cleanser with caution since even gentle bubbles can sting.
The ingredient is sourced from coconut or palm based fatty alcohols and contains no animal derived materials, so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. If palm sourcing is a concern look for brands that certify sustainably farmed palm oil.
No evidence suggests that Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate poses special risks to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full product ingredient list to their healthcare provider for personal guidance.
The molecule does not make skin more prone to sun damage and it has no known effect on photosensitivity. It is also considered color safe for dyed hair and is biodegradable which may appeal to eco minded users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The points below cover potential side effects but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used at the low levels typical in finished cosmetics.
- Mild skin irritation
- Transient eye stinging if the lather gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness when overused or left on the skin too long
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to sulfonates
- Scalp or hair buildup if a formula with high levels is not rinsed thoroughly
If you notice burning itching persistent redness or any other unusual reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate is non comedogenic because it is highly water soluble and rinses off without forming an oily film that could clog pores. It acts mainly at the surface to lift away sebum and impurities then leaves with the rinse water, so it does not linger inside follicles.
This makes the ingredient a safe choice for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
Because it is not an oil or fatty emollient, it will not counteract other pore clogging ingredients in the same formula. Always consider the product as a whole when judging breakout potential.
Summary
Disodium C12-14 Alketh-2 Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant that cleanses, boosts foam and acts as a hydrotrope. Its dual water loving and oil loving structure loosens dirt, stabilizes lush lather and keeps tricky ingredients evenly dispersed so shampoos and face washes stay clear and effective.
The ingredient shows up in many gentle cleansers, baby washes and micellar waters, though it is still less of a household name than the classic sulfates it often replaces. Formulators appreciate its balance of mildness and performance.
Safety data rate it as low irritant and non comedogenic with minimal risk at typical use levels. Even so each person’s skin is unique, so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this surfactant before adding it to a daily routine.