What Is Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant derived from castor oil, a plant oil pressed from the seeds of the castor bean. Chemically, it starts with ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil, which is combined with monoethanolamine then reacted with maleic anhydride and neutralized with sodium salts to create the final sulfosuccinate structure. This gives the ingredient a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail, allowing it to mix oil and water with ease.
Sulfosuccinates were first investigated in the mid-20th century as gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. Their ability to cleanse without stripping made them popular in baby shampoos and sensitive skin washes. Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate emerged as a castor-based version that offered extra conditioning thanks to the fatty acid chain.
Today you will most often see it in face and body washes, sulfate-free shampoos, bubble baths, micellar waters, shaving creams, sheet mask essences and even some lightweight moisturizers where a touch of cleansing or foaming is needed. Its versatility also lets formulators use it as a helper ingredient in scrubs, clay masks and spa-style soak products.
Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings several practical benefits to personal care formulas
- Cleansing: Lifts dirt, oil and makeup from the skin or hair then rinses away easily, leaving a fresh feel without tightness
- Skin Conditioning: The castor-derived fatty chain leaves a light emollient film that helps skin feel soft and smooth after cleansing
- Foam Boosting: Increases the volume and stability of lather so washes and shampoos feel richer even when sulfate-free
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep fragrance oils, essential oils and other tricky ingredients evenly dispersed in water-based formulas which improves clarity and prevents separation
Who Can Use Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry. Its mild nature makes it a good option for sensitive or easily irritated skin, though extremely reactive skin should still introduce any new cleanser slowly.
Because it is derived from castor oil and processed without animal by-products, Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
The ingredient has no known hormonal activity and is not systemically absorbed in meaningful amounts, so products containing it are typically considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare.
It does not make skin more prone to sunburn and will not interfere with sunscreen, so photosensitivity is not a concern.
Its mildness also means it plays nicely with most other common skincare actives, fragrances and preservatives, giving formulators flexibility without raising compatibility issues.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients vary from person to person. The points below reflect potential side effects of Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate, but most users experience none of these when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic levels.
- Transient eye stinging if the formula accidentally gets into the eyes, especially in higher-foam cleansers
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in individuals with very sensitive skin or when used in highly concentrated rinse-off products
- Dryness or tightness when paired with aggressive exfoliants or used too frequently on already dehydrated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as rash or bumps, though confirmed allergies are rare
If any discomfort or persistent reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate is considered low risk for clogging pores because it is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and does not leave an oily film. Its castor-derived fatty chain is partly balanced by the highly hydrophilic sulfosuccinate head which keeps residue minimal. Formulas using it often have low to moderate oil content, further reducing the chance of buildup.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
As with any cleanser, overall comedogenicity depends on the full formula and how thoroughly it is rinsed away, so exceptionally heavy leave-on products that include this ingredient could behave differently.
Summary
Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate works as a gentle cleanser, light skin conditioner, foam booster and hydrotrope. Its dual nature—an oil loving tail from castor oil plus a water loving sulfosuccinate head—lets it lift dirt and oil, leave skin feeling soft, build a satisfying lather and keep tricky ingredients evenly mixed.
While not as famous as household names like sodium lauryl sulfate, it has a steady following in sulfate-free shampoos, kid-friendly body washes and sensitive skin cleansers where a mild yet effective surfactant is needed.
Safety data show it is generally low irritant, non sensitizing and minimally comedogenic when used at cosmetic levels. Still, skin is personal so it is always wise to patch test any new product that contains this or any other active ingredient before full use.