What Is Disodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate is a gentle surfactant made from fatty alcohols that come from natural coconut or palm oil. Chemically it belongs to the sulfosuccinate family, which means a succinic acid backbone holds a sulfonated group that carries a negative charge. The C12-14 part tells you the fatty chains contain 12 to 14 carbon atoms, while “Pareth-3” points to three units of ethylene oxide added to improve water solubility. Suppliers began offering this ingredient in the late 1980s as brands searched for milder cleansers than traditional sulfates. It is produced by first ethoxylating the chosen fatty alcohols, reacting the result with maleic anhydride to form a half-ester then sulfonating and neutralizing with sodium to create the final disodium salt. Thanks to its mild nature it shows up in sulfate-free shampoos, baby washes, foaming facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths and even some micellar waters.
Disodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for the way it improves both the feel and performance of cleansing formulas.
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin or hair, leaving a soft after-feel
- Foam Boosting: Creates rich stable lather that helps spread the product easily and gives users the sensory cue of thorough cleaning
Who Can Use Disodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate
This gentle surfactant suits most skin types including normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive because it cleans without the harsh stripping feel linked to stronger sulfates. People with severely compromised or highly inflamed skin should still approach any cleanser with care as even mild lathering agents can sting open lesions.
The ingredient is typically plant derived since the fatty alcohols come from coconut or palm oil and no animal by-products are involved, so it is compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. (Animal testing policies depend on the finished brand rather than this raw material.)
Available safety data show no specific hazards for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used as intended in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should ask a doctor before introducing new skincare, just to be safe.
Disodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate is not known to cause photosensitivity, so daytime use does not require extra sun precautions beyond a normal broad-spectrum sunscreen routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical ingredients vary. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as intended.
- Mild skin irritation or stinging, especially on already compromised or very dry skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Transient dryness or tightness when used in high concentrations or with very frequent washing
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as redness, itching or small bumps
- Potential trace 1,4-dioxane contamination from the ethoxylation step if manufacturing is poorly controlled
If you experience any persistent redness, burning or other discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Disodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate is highly water soluble, designed to rinse off completely and does not leave an oily or waxy film on the skin. Because it sits on the surface only long enough to lift away dirt then leaves with the rinse water, it lacks the occlusive qualities that normally clog pores. For these reasons formulators consider it non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
As with any surfactant the final product’s full recipe and concentration matter more than the raw material itself. Heavy oils or silicones paired with it could still affect pore clogging potential.
Summary
Disodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate is a mild plant-derived surfactant that cleanses skin and hair while boosting foam. Its negatively charged sulfosuccinate head loosens dirt and oil and its short ethoxylated tail improves water solubility so everything washes away easily leaving a soft after-feel.
The ingredient has carved out a steady spot in sulfate-free shampoos, facial washes and baby cleansers where brands want rich lather without the harshness of traditional sulfates. It is not as ubiquitous as sodium laureth sulfate but is popular among formulators targeting the gentle cleansing niche.
Current safety data show low irritation risk, no known systemic concerns and virtually zero comedogenicity in rinse-off use. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so patch testing a new product is a smart precaution.