What Is Disodium Palmitoleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Palmitoleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is a gentle, water-soluble surfactant made by linking palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid usually sourced from vegetable oils, with small units of ethylene oxide and then adding a sulfosuccinate group. The result is a salt that mixes easily with both oil and water, which is why it works so well in cleansers. First introduced in the 1980s as formulators searched for milder soap alternatives, it soon found a place in shampoos and facial washes thanks to its skin-friendly profile. Manufacturing involves reacting palmitoleic acid with polyethylene glycol, then treating the mixture with maleic anhydride and finally neutralizing it with sodium salts. You will most often see it in liquid and cream cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, micellar waters, baby shampoos, and sulfate-free hair products.
Disodium Palmitoleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient adds multiple performance advantages to personal care formulas
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin or hair, leaving them feeling soft and refreshed
- Foam Boosting: Creates a rich stable lather that makes products feel more luxurious and easier to spread
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep all the other ingredients evenly mixed so the product stays clear and uniform over time
Who Can Use Disodium Palmitoleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate
This mild surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and even sensitive skin because it cleanses without overly stripping natural oils. People with very reactive or compromised skin should still keep an eye on how their skin feels but most find it gentle enough for daily use.
Because the palmitoleic acid used in production is usually sourced from vegetable oils and the rest of the molecule is synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks, it contains no animal derived components. That makes products with this ingredient suitable for vegans and vegetarians barring other animal sourced materials in the finished formula.
Current safety data shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used at the low concentrations typical of rinse off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare or haircare product past a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with most other cleansing and conditioning agents often used alongside it.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Disodium Palmitoleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate vary from person to person. The following are potential side effects that could occur though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in well formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation a temporary stinging or tight feeling, more likely on very sensitive or broken skin
- Eye irritation redness or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes, especially in higher foaming shampoos
- rare allergic response producing redness itching or small bumps
- Excessive dryness if overused in people who already have very low sebum production
If any of these issues occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1. Disodium Palmitoleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate is highly water soluble and rinses away cleanly, leaving no oily film that could block pores. Its molecule is large and ionic which further limits its ability to lodge inside follicles. Because it functions mainly as a cleanser rather than an emollient, it is not known to contribute to buildup on the skin. In practical use it performs similarly to other low-irritation surfactants that are considered non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in rinse-off products.
When combined with heavier oils or butters the overall formula’s pore-clogging potential depends more on those other ingredients than on this surfactant itself.
Summary
Disodium Palmitoleamido Peg-2 Sulfosuccinate acts as a mild cleanser, foam booster and hydrotrope. Its amphiphilic structure grabs oil and grime while staying gentle on skin and hair, it stabilises rich lather for a pleasant user experience and it keeps otherwise stubborn ingredients evenly dispersed so the final product stays uniform.
It is a workhorse in sulfate-free shampoos, facial washes and baby baths, appreciated by formulators who need mildness without sacrificing foam. While not as famous as ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate it has a steady presence in gentle cleansing lines and niche natural brands.
Safety reviews show very low irritation and virtually no long-term risks when used at the modest levels typical of rinse-off products. Still every skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product containing this surfactant before full use.