What Is Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant made from oleic acid, a fatty acid found in vegetable oils like olive and sunflower. Chemically, the molecule is created by attaching about three units of ethylene oxide to oleic acid, then reacting the result with maleic anhydride and neutralizing it with sodium salts. The outcome is a water-soluble compound that carries both oil-loving and water-loving parts, which lets it break up dirt and oil on skin or hair.
The ingredient appeared in personal care formulas in the late 1960s as brands looked for gentler alternatives to traditional sulfates. Because it produces a creamy, low-irritation lather, formulators soon adopted it in products aimed at sensitive skin.
Today you will most often see Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, liquid hand soaps and baby washes. It can also show up in exfoliating scrubs and lightweight makeup removers where a soft foam is needed without stripping the skin.
Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls its weight in several ways inside a formula:
- Cleansing: Lifts away oil, sweat and product buildup while staying gentle on the skin barrier, which helps reduce dryness and tightness after rinsing
- Foam Boosting: Enhances the volume and stability of bubbles so cleansers feel rich and satisfying during use
- Hydrotrope: Improves the way other ingredients dissolve in water which allows for clear, consistent liquids and prevents separation over time
Who Can Use Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin thanks to its mild nature and low potential for barrier disruption. Dry or eczema-prone skin can usually handle it as well because it cleanses without the harsh stripping often linked to stronger sulfates. Those with severely compromised or broken skin should proceed with caution since any detergent can sting when the skin’s protective layer is already damaged.
The ingredient is manufactured from plant-derived oleic acid and synthetic processing aids, with no animal byproducts involved, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data do not flag Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate as a concern for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in rinse-off cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new personal care products, just to be safe.
It does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. There are no known ingredient incompatibilities beyond the standard need to balance pH and concentration in a well-formulated product.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished cosmetic.
- Mild eye irritation if the product gets into the eyes
- Transient skin stinging or redness, especially on broken or freshly shaved skin
- Dryness or tightness when used in very high concentrations or with frequent washing
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to the molecule or trace impurities
- Increased irritation when combined with other strong surfactants or exfoliating acids
If any irritation, rash or discomfort occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate is highly water soluble and designed to lift away oil then rinse clean, so it has little chance to stay on the skin and block pores. It also lacks heavy fatty residues that usually trigger congestion, which is why it sits at the low end of the scale.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because this surfactant is normally found in rinse-off products, its fleeting contact time further reduces any pore-clogging potential.
Summary
Disodium Oleth-3 Sulfosuccinate is a mild cleanser that boosts foam and helps other ingredients stay evenly dispersed in water. It does this by carrying both oil-loving and water-loving portions within the same molecule, allowing it to grab grime while remaining gentle on the skin barrier.
While not as famous as newer sulfate-free surfactants, it still shows up in many shampoos, face washes and baby cleansers because formulators value its creamy lather and low irritation profile.
Current data show it is safe for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone, with a very low risk of long-term issues. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a product first to be sure your skin agrees with it.