What Is Disodium C12-15 Alketh Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium C12-15 Alketh Sulfosuccinate is a mild cleansing agent made by joining natural or plant-derived fatty alcohols that have 12 to 15 carbon atoms with a small number of ethylene oxide units, then reacting that mix with sulfosuccinic acid and neutralizing it with sodium. The result is a water-friendly powder or liquid that carries two sodium ions, which helps it dissolve quickly in formulas.
The ingredient first appeared in the 1960s when chemists looked for surfactants that could clean skin and hair without the harsh feel of traditional soaps. Over time it became popular in gentle shampoos and baby washes because it produces rich foam while staying kind to the skin barrier.
Manufacturing starts with fatty alcohols from sources like coconut or palm oil. These alcohols are ethoxylated to give them water-loving parts. The ethoxylated alcohols are then partially esterified with sulfosuccinic acid, creating a molecule that can grab both oil and water. Finally the mixture is neutralized with sodium carbonate to form the stable disodium salt.
You will most often find Disodium C12-15 Alketh Sulfosuccinate in facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, scalp scrubs, micellar waters, sulfate-free shampoos, makeup removing wipes and even some exfoliating masks that need gentle foam to lift away debris.
Disodium C12-15 Alketh Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient brings several practical benefits to modern skin and hair care formulas.
- Cleansing: It lowers the surface tension of water so oils dirt and makeup can rinse away easily leaving skin and hair feeling fresh but not stripped
- Foam Boosting: It creates dense stable lather that helps spread the product evenly and gives users the sensory cue that the product is working
- Hydrotrope: It helps keep oily and watery ingredients mixed together so the formula stays clear and uniform without extra thickening agents
Who Can Use Disodium C12-15 Alketh Sulfosuccinate
Because it was designed to be gentle this surfactant suits most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and even sensitive skin that often reacts to harsher cleansing agents. People with very dry or eczema-prone skin might still feel a bit of tightness if the overall formula lacks enough moisturizers, so they should look for products that pair the ingredient with soothing oils or humectants.
The raw material is typically sourced from coconut or palm oil and no animal-derived additives are required during processing, making it compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Those who avoid palm oil for environmental reasons can check with the brand to confirm the exact feedstock used.
No evidence suggests that topical use poses a risk during pregnancy or while nursing. It stays on the skin for a short time and is not meaningfully absorbed into the bloodstream. That said this is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run any product past a doctor just to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not considered photosensitizing. It is also color-safe for hair and does not react with common actives like vitamin C or retinoids, allowing it to fit into most routines without fuss.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium C12-15 Alketh Sulfosuccinate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness, especially if used in very high concentrations or paired with no follow-up moisturizer
- Transient eye stinging if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Redness or itching in people with a specific sensitivity or allergy to sulfosuccinates, though this is rare
- Increased irritation on already damaged or inflamed skin because any surfactant can further disrupt a compromised barrier
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 – 1 (very low)
Disodium C12-15 Alketh Sulfosuccinate is a fully water-soluble cleansing agent that rinses off without leaving an oily film on the skin. Because it does not linger in pores or add extra oil, it poses little risk of clogging them. For that reason it earns a score at the very bottom of the scale.
People who are prone to acne can generally use products with this ingredient without worry.
One point to note is that the finished formula matters. A face wash can be non-comedogenic overall, yet a heavy cream with the same surfactant plus rich plant butters could still trigger breakouts. Always look at the whole product, not just one part of it.
Summary
Disodium C12-15 Alketh Sulfosuccinate acts as a cleanser, foam booster and hydrotrope. Its dual oil-loving and water-loving structure pulls dirt and sebum into the wash water, its ability to lower surface tension builds a creamy lather and its hydrotrope role keeps tricky ingredients blended so the formula stays clear.
While not as famous as sulfates or newer ultra-mild surfactants, it shows up in many everyday shampoos, body washes and micellar cleansers because it offers a sweet spot of gentle action and rich foam at a fair cost.
Safety data and long-term use both point to a low risk profile. Most people can enjoy products that feature it, including kids and those with sensitive skin. As with any new skincare item it is smart to patch test first just to be sure your own skin agrees.