What Is Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate?
Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate is a salt made from sulfosuccinic acid and a tridecyl (13-carbon) alcohol. Chemically it belongs to the group of anionic surfactants, meaning it carries a negative charge when dissolved in water. Manufacturers source the fatty alcohol portion from plant oils like coconut or palm and then react it with maleic anhydride and sodium bisulfite to attach the sulfonate group. The result is a water-soluble powder or paste that blends easily into liquid and cream formulas.
Surfactants of this type have been used since the mid-20th century when formulators looked for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate stood out because it cleans without stripping skin and produces stable foam even in hard water. Over time it found a steady place in shampoos, face cleansers and bath products. You can also spot it in micellar waters, bubble masks, body washes, hand soaps and some makeup removers where gentle yet thorough cleansing is needed.
Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In personal care formulas this ingredient serves several helpful roles:
- Cleansing: Its anionic charge lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while keeping the skin’s surface feeling soft
- Cleansing: A second use of the same property allows it to work alongside other surfactants to boost overall cleaning power in concentrated washes
- Foam Boosting: It stabilizes and increases foam volume so products feel rich and satisfying during use
- Hydrotrope: It helps keep normally hard-to-dissolve ingredients evenly mixed in water-based formulas preventing separation
Who Can Use Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by normal, oily and combination skin because it lifts oil without leaving a tight after-feel. Dry or sensitive skin can usually use it too since it is milder than traditional sulfates, though people with a compromised skin barrier or chronic conditions like eczema may notice slight stinging if a formula is highly concentrated. Vegan and vegetarian users can feel comfortable because the tridecyl alcohol portion is sourced from plant oils and no animal‐derived additives are needed during manufacture. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are not expected to face special risks because systemic absorption is negligible, yet this is not medical advice and anyone in these groups should clear new products with a physician. The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity and has no known incompatibilities with common skincare actives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at the levels found in finished products.
- Mild transient skin irritation such as redness or tingling
- Dry or tight feeling if a cleanser is left on too long or used too often
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally contacts the mucous membrane
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to sulfosuccinate surfactants
- May increase penetration of other actives applied in the same routine which can indirectly raise irritation risk
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (very low likelihood of clogging pores)
Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate is a fully water-soluble surfactant that rinses away without leaving an oily film so it rarely blocks follicles. It is typically used in wash-off products at low to moderate levels which further limits residue that could build up inside pores.
Most people with acne-prone or breakout-prone skin can use products containing this ingredient without extra concern.
Only highly concentrated or leave-on formulas could dry the skin enough to trigger rebound oil production so overall product design still matters.
Summary
In cosmetics Disodium Tridecylsulfosuccinate cleanses, boosts foam and acts as a hydrotrope. Its charged end grabs dirt and makeup while its fatty tail helps water spread and lift debris then everything washes away, leaving skin comfortable. The same surface-active nature also keeps tricky ingredients dissolved so liquids stay clear and stable.
Although it is not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid, formulators use it often in gentle shampoos, micellar waters and sulfate-free body washes because it delivers mild yet effective cleansing.
Safety studies and long-standing market use show it is well tolerated with only occasional minor irritation. Even so, patch testing a new product that contains it is a smart move for anyone with reactive skin.