What Is Disodium Stearamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Stearamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate is a mild, water-soluble surfactant made from stearic acid, a fatty acid that often comes from vegetable oils such as coconut or palm. Chemically, it belongs to the sulfosuccinate family, which is known for creating a rich but gentle lather. The ingredient was first explored for personal care in the mid-20th century when formulators searched for cleansers that could remove dirt and oil without stripping skin or hair. Today it is produced by reacting stearic acid with monoethanolamine, then attaching a sulfosuccinate group and finally neutralizing the mixture with sodium salts. The result is a soft powder or paste that dissolves easily in water.
You will spot Disodium Stearamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate in face washes, body cleansers, shampoo, bubble baths, micellar waters and even some sheet masks. Because it is gentle yet effective it is often included in products aimed at sensitive skin or color-treated hair.
Disodium Stearamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient offers several perks to a formula
- Cleansing: Lifts away oil, makeup and daily grime while respecting the skin and hair barrier
- Foam Boosting: Enhances the amount and stability of bubbles so the product feels lush and spreads evenly
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep other ingredients dissolved and evenly distributed which prevents separation and improves shelf life
Who Can Use Disodium Stearamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate
This surfactant is gentle enough for most skin types including sensitive, oily, dry and combination since it cleans without harsh stripping. Extremely compromised or barrier-damaged skin should still introduce it slowly because any surfactant can cause tightness if overused.
The stearic acid used to make the ingredient usually comes from coconut or palm so finished products are often suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Brands that want a fully plant-based label must confirm their supplier does not use animal-derived tallow.
No data suggest the ingredient poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied topically in rinse-off or leave-on formulas. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run new skincare past a doctor just to be safe.
Disodium Stearamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate is not known to cause photosensitivity so daytime use does not require extra sun precautions beyond a regular sunscreen habit.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical use vary from person to person. The effects below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, especially on broken or very dry skin
- Transient eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness when used in high concentrations or multiple times a day
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to sulfosuccinate compounds
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Disodium Stearamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate is highly water soluble and designed to rinse away cleanly, so it does not linger on skin to block pores. Although it is derived from stearic acid, the sulfosuccinate portion makes the molecule more hydrophilic which limits any greasy residue. Its primary use in rinse-off products further lowers the chance of buildup that could trigger blackheads or pimples.
Because of its low rating this ingredient is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
No data show it exacerbates fungal acne and it is free of heavy oils and waxes that commonly worsen congestion.
Summary
Disodium Stearamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate works as a gentle cleanser, a foam booster and a hydrotrope. It lifts away oil, dirt and makeup while creating a rich lather that feels luxurious yet mild. Its hydrotropic ability keeps formulas stable which helps products stay uniform from the first pump to the last.
The ingredient is moderately popular in shampoos, face washes and body cleansers aimed at sensitive or dry skin types. It is less common in high-end skincare where sulfate-free marketing buzz often dominates, but formulators who need mild performance still turn to it regularly.
Current research and decades of cosmetic use indicate it is safe for topical application with a very low risk of irritation when blended correctly. As with any new product it is smart to perform a small patch test before full use, especially if you have reactive skin.