What Is Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate is a plant-derived surfactant made from coconut oil fatty acids and a form of glucose. Chemists combine these two natural starting points, add about ten units of ethylene oxide, then attach a sulfosuccinate group and neutralize it with sodium to create a water-soluble powder or liquid. The result is a very mild cleansing agent that carries a negative charge when mixed with water, which helps it lift away oil and dirt without stripping skin or hair.
Interest in the ingredient grew in the 1990s when brands started looking for alternatives to harsher sulfates. Its gentle nature and ability to foam even in hard water made it an easy swap in sulfate-free formulas. Today it is produced in large batches by specialty chemical companies through a controlled multi-step process that ensures consistent purity and performance.
You will see Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate in a wide range of rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, sulfate-free shampoos, baby baths, bubble baths and shaving creams. It may also appear in cream or gel masks that rely on light foaming action to rinse clean.
Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings several helpful functions to modern formulas
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant action loosens oil, sweat and buildup so they can be rinsed away leaving skin and hair fresh yet comfortable
- Hair conditioning: The coconut-derived fatty chain can deposit a light, smooth feel on hair strands which helps reduce tangles and adds softness after rinsing
- Foam boosting: It stabilizes and enlarges bubbles created by other surfactants giving products a rich, creamy lather that consumers associate with effective cleaning
Who Can Use Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate
This gentle surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, sensitive, oily and combination skin. Because it cleans without stripping natural oils it is often preferred by people who find traditional sulfates too aggressive. That said, anyone with a history of sulfosuccinate sensitivity or very compromised skin barriers should approach with extra caution and choose shorter contact times.
The ingredient is plant derived from coconut oil and glucose, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal sourced raw materials are used in its standard production though formulas that include it can still contain other animal ingredients so it is worth checking the full product label if that is a concern.
Products containing Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate are considered suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding based on current safety data. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing individuals should run any skincare they use past a healthcare professional just to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more prone to sun damage so it is not linked with photosensitivity. It also rinses clean without leaving a film that could interfere with other actives, making it easy to pair with most skincare routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects when Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate is used in cosmetic products. These outcomes are uncommon for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or tightness, especially on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals who are specifically allergic to sulfosuccinate surfactants
- Temporary eye stinging if the cleanser runs into the eyes before rinsing
- Scalp or hair dryness if the formula is left on for prolonged periods or used too frequently
If any irritation or adverse reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Although the molecule starts with coconut fatty acids, its final form is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses away cleanly and does not linger on skin. It is used at low levels in wash-off products, so the chance of it clogging pores is very small.
Suitable for those prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any cleanser, pore-clogging risk can rise if residue is left behind, so thorough rinsing is always a good habit.
Summary
Disodium Cocoyl Butyl Gluceth-10 Sulfosuccinate is a gentle plant-derived surfactant that lifts dirt and oil, leaves hair feeling soft and boosts creamy foam. It manages all three jobs by pairing a coconut fatty chain for mild conditioning with a charged sulfosuccinate head that grabs grime and supports stable bubbles.
It enjoys steady popularity in sulfate-free shampoos, face washes and baby cleansers because it offers a kinder clean than traditional sulfates while still giving users the lather they expect.
Current safety data shows it is low-irritation and non-sensitising for most people. Still, every skin is different so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains it before full use.