What Is Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is a silicone based surfactant created by joining lauryl dimethicone, a lightweight silicone, with polyethylene glycol (PEG-8) and a sulfosuccinate group, then neutralising the mix with sodium. The result is a water soluble silicone that behaves like a cleanser while keeping the slip and smooth feel people like from silicones.
The ingredient emerged in the early 1990s when formulators were searching for milder surfactants that could still rinse away the heavier silicone oils becoming popular in hair and skin care. By turning part of the silicone molecule into a sulfosuccinate salt, chemists managed to give it cleansing ability without the harshness linked to traditional sulfates.
Manufacturing starts with lauryl dimethicone, which is reacted with maleic anhydride to form a sulfosuccinic acid ester. This intermediate is then ethoxylated with eight units of ethylene oxide (the PEG-8 segment) to boost water solubility. A final neutralisation step with sodium hydroxide produces the disodium salt, locking the structure into a skin friendly pH range.
You’ll find Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate in foaming face washes, micellar cleansers, gentle shampoos, baby baths, makeup removers, body washes and rinse off masks that aim for a soft, conditioned finish without a slick residue.
Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient mainly serves one purpose in personal care formulas.
As a cleansing agent it loosens dirt, excess oil and leftover makeup then helps water carry them away, all while creating a light foam that feels silky rather than squeaky. Its silicone backbone leaves a subtle conditioned feel on skin or hair so products can clean effectively yet remain mild enough for daily use.
Who Can Use Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive because it cleans without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. People with very reactive or silicone-allergic skin may still prefer to avoid it as even mild surfactants can occasionally cause tightness or flushing in those with compromised barriers.
The ingredient is synthetically produced from petroleum-derived feedstocks and plant-based ethylene oxide so it contains no animal-derived materials. That makes it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product is certified cruelty free.
Current safety data show no reproductive toxicity so products containing this surfactant are considered acceptable for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional.
Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight nor does it interfere with sunscreen performance. It also rinses clean so it is unlikely to affect self-tanners or hair color treatments.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential reactions and are unlikely in normal use when the ingredient is properly formulated.
Transient skin dryness due to over-cleansing when used in very high concentrations
Mild eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
Redness or stinging in individuals with a known sensitivity to silicones or sulfosuccinates
Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where a user is allergic to PEG derivatives
If any irritation or discomfort occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is a large water-soluble silicone that stays on the surface only long enough to lift away oil then rinses off completely. Because it does not remain on the skin and has a high hydrophilic PEG content it has very little chance of blocking pores which is why it earns a low score of 1.
That minimal pore-clogging potential means most people prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing this surfactant without added concern.
As with any rinse-off cleanser the final comedogenic risk also depends on the other ingredients in the formula and on how thoroughly the product is removed.
Summary
Disodium Peg-8 Lauryl Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is a mild cleansing agent that combines the slip of silicone with the rinse-off power of a sulfosuccinate. It works by surrounding dirt and oil so they can be carried away by water while leaving skin or hair feeling conditioned not tight.
The ingredient sits comfortably in many modern sulfate-free face washes shampoos and baby cleansers but it is not as famous as ingredients like coco-glucoside or sodium cocoyl isethionate. Formulators pick it when they want a silky foam and easy rinse yet still keep the formula gentle.
Current safety data rate it as low irritation with no evidence of systemic toxicity when used topically. Still everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this surfactant before bringing it into a regular routine.