Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 27, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate?

Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate is a mild, water-soluble surfactant made by attaching a long stearyl (18-carbon) chain to a sulfosuccinate backbone then neutralizing it with sodium. The result is Disodium 1-octadecyl 2-sulphonatosuccinate, a pale powder or flake that disperses easily in water.

The ingredient was first explored by detergent chemists in the mid-20th century who were searching for gentler cleansers than traditional soaps. Its ability to lift oil while staying kind to skin quickly caught the attention of personal care formulators, and by the 1970s it had found a home in shampoos and bubble baths. Today it is produced through a two-step reaction: maleic anhydride is treated with stearyl alcohol to form a half-ester, which is then sulfonated and neutralized to give the final disodium salt. Modern manufacturing follows the same basic route, only with tighter purity controls and sustainability targets.

You will spot Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate in rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths and sulfate-free shampoos. Its creamy foam and skin-friendly profile also make it a helper in cream cleansers, exfoliating scrubs, clay masks, micellar waters and some baby washes.

Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking surfactant brings several practical perks to a formula:

  • Cleansing: Loosens dirt, excess oil and makeup so they rinse away without stripping the skin’s natural barrier
  • Foam Boosting: Enhances lather volume and stability, giving products a rich cushiony feel that users associate with effective cleansing
  • Hydrotrope: Helps keep oils, fragrances and other poorly soluble ingredients evenly dispersed, which prevents separation and lets formulators reduce the level of harsher surfactants

Who Can Use Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate

Most skin types can tolerate Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate because it is milder than many common surfactants. Normal, oily and combination skin usually enjoy its thorough yet gentle cleansing. Dry or sensitive skin can often use it too since it does not strip as much natural oil, but a moisturizer afterward is still wise. Only people with a known sulfosuccinate allergy or a history of contact dermatitis to similar ingredients may need to avoid it.

The stearyl chain is typically sourced from vegetable-derived fatty alcohols, not animal tallow. This makes the ingredient suitable for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product also meets cruelty-free standards set by the brand.

No data suggest that topical Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate poses a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full product label to a doctor before use just to be safe.

The molecule is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it does not make skin more prone to sunburn. Regular sun protection is still recommended as part of any daytime routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses vary. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at the levels found in cosmetics formulated by reputable brands.

  • Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, more likely on very sensitive or compromised skin
  • Dryness or tightness if the formula contains a high concentration and is not followed by moisturizer
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching, rash or swelling

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5. Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate is highly water soluble and used almost exclusively in rinse-off products, so it does not linger on the skin long enough to block pores. Its structure is more cleansing than oily, which keeps the likelihood of clogging low. For acne-prone users this ingredient is generally considered safe in face and body washes though the overall formula still matters. Because it is a surfactant that gets washed away, real-world reports of breakouts linked to this ingredient alone are rare.

One extra point to note is that heavy leave-on creams containing any surfactant can become pore-clogging if paired with occlusive oils or waxes, but that scenario is uncommon with Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate.

Summary

Disodium Stearyl Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant that cleanses, boosts foam and keeps tricky ingredients evenly mixed. It lifts oil and debris while its hydrotrope action stabilizes formulas so they can rely on fewer harsh detergents.

The ingredient enjoys steady popularity in sulfate-free shampoos, bubble baths and gentle facial cleansers. It is not a buzzworthy superstar yet formulators appreciate it for delivering a creamy lather without roughing up skin or hair.

Safety data and decades of use show a low risk profile with only occasional irritation in sensitive individuals. As with any new cosmetic, give the finished product a quick patch test so your skin can confirm it is happy.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.