What Is Disodium Peg-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Peg-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate is a synthetic ingredient created by linking lauryl alcohol to citric acid, then adding five units of ethylene oxide and finally attaching a sulfosuccinate group that is neutralized with sodium. This gives the molecule both water-loving and oil-loving parts, allowing it to mix oils with water and lift away dirt. It was first explored in the late 1980s as companies searched for milder surfactants that could replace harsher sulfates in personal care. Today manufacturers produce it in large reactors where lauryl alcohol is first ethoxylated, then esterified with citric acid, followed by sulfosuccination and neutralization. Because each step is carefully controlled, the final material is considered gentle and biodegradable.
You will spot this ingredient in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on formulas such as shampoos, face cleansers, baby washes, micellar waters, bath gels, makeup removers, exfoliating masks, lightweight lotions and spray toners. Brands like it because it delivers cleansing power without the tight feel or redness some sulfates can cause.
Disodium Peg-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-tasker offers several advantages inside a formulation
- Cleansing: The ingredient lowers surface tension so water can surround oil and debris then rinse them away. It creates a soft creamy foam that feels pleasant while being mild even on sensitive skin.
- Emulsifying: By holding oil droplets in a stable suspension it lets formulators blend oils, butters and active ingredients into water-based products without separation, leading to smooth consistent textures.
- Hydrotrope: It helps dissolve fragrance oils and other sparingly soluble materials into high-water systems, allowing transparent shampoos, body washes and toners to stay clear and uniform.
Who Can Use Disodium Peg-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate
Thanks to its gentle cleansing action this surfactant suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive. It lifts oil without the tight after-feel many sulfates cause so even compromised or mature skin can usually tolerate it. Those with a confirmed allergy to polyethylene glycol derivatives or other surfactants should exercise caution.
The raw materials are plant derived and the finished compound contains no animal by-products making it compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles as long as the rest of the formula also meets those standards.
Published safety reviews have not linked Disodium Peg-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate to reproductive or developmental harm so it is generally viewed as safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new skincare just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn and has no known interaction with UV exposure so photosensitivity is not a concern.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topically applied Disodium Peg-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate can differ. The points below outline potential yet uncommon reactions when the ingredient is correctly formulated in a cosmetic product.
- Mild transient redness or itching in extremely sensitive skin
- Stinging or watering if the formula enters the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in people allergic to surfactants or PEG compounds
- Increased moisture loss if a high-concentration product is left on skin without rinsing
If any adverse effect occurs stop use right away and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1
Disodium Peg-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses off easily, leaving little to no residue in pores. It does not contain heavy oils or waxes typically linked to clogged follicles, and its molecular weight is low enough to disperse quickly in water yet high enough to prevent deep penetration into sebaceous ducts. Because of this profile, the risk of pore blockage is minimal.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
As with most rinse-off cleansing agents, the overall formula and how thoroughly it is removed matter more to pore health than the surfactant itself.
Summary
Disodium Peg-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate acts as a cleanser, emulsifier and hydrotrope. Its dual water-loving and oil-loving structure lowers surface tension so grime lifts away, keeps oil droplets evenly dispersed for stable textures and helps dissolve fragrance or actives into clear water-based systems.
While not as famous as classic sulfates or newer sugar-based surfactants, it appears in a growing number of gentle shampoos, facial washes, micellar waters and baby products thanks to its mildness and biodegradable nature.
Current safety data show a low irritation and sensitisation profile when properly formulated. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product containing this ingredient before full use.