What Is Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate is a mild, water-soluble cleansing agent made by joining undecylenic acid with a sulfosuccinate backbone, then neutralizing it with sodium. Undecylenic acid itself comes from the cracking of castor oil, giving the ingredient a partly plant-derived origin. Chemists first explored sulfosuccinates in the mid-20th century while searching for surfactants that could create rich foam without the harshness linked to traditional sulfates. Over time formulators noticed that adding an undecylenic side chain boosted both mildness and cleaning power, so the ingredient found its way into cosmetic labs. It is produced in a controlled reaction where undecylenic acid is reacted with monoethanolamine, then linked to maleic anhydride and finally sulfonated and neutralized to give the disodium salt.
You will spot Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate in everyday rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers and bubble baths. Its foam-boosting nature also makes it handy in shaving creams and baby washes where a creamy lather and skin-friendly profile are key.
Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking surfactant improves both the feel and performance of many wash-off formulas:
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, excess oil and product buildup without stripping the skin or hair, leaving a fresh comfortable after-feel
- Foam Boosting: Builds a rich stable lather that spreads easily, helping users gauge coverage and rinse thoroughly
- Hydrotrope: Helps keep oils fragrances and other actives evenly dispersed in water-based formulas, preventing separation and ensuring consistent texture
Who Can Use Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate
This gentle cleanser suits most skin types including sensitive, oily, combination and dry because it removes grime without a harsh stripping effect. People with extremely compromised or allergy-prone skin should still review ingredient lists carefully in case they are sensitive to sulfosuccinates in general.
The compound is synthesized from castor oil-derived undecylenic acid plus petrochemical building blocks, with no animal-sourced materials or by-products, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no reproduction-related concerns at the low levels used in rinse-off cosmetics. That said, anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should ask a doctor before introducing new personal care products as an extra layer of caution. This information is educational only and not medical advice.
Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not linked to photosensitivity. It is also color-safe for dyed hair and compatible with most common skincare actives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients vary from one person to the next. The points below outline possible side effects of Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate, though most users will not experience them when the product is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, especially on very sensitive skin
- Eye stinging if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Temporary dryness or tightness when used in very high concentrations or with hot water
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitized to sulfosuccinate surfactants
If you notice any unwanted reaction stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses off fully, leaving no oily or waxy residue behind that could block pores. Laboratory data and anecdotal reports show no tendency to form comedones, which is why it receives a zero rating. For this reason it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts. Because it is used at low levels in wash-off products the contact time with skin is very short, further reducing any clogging risk.
Summary
Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate acts as a mild cleanser, foam booster and hydrotrope. Its structure has both water-loving and oil-loving parts, so it surrounds dirt and oil, lifts them away and helps them rinse down the drain. The undecylenic side chain amps up cleaning power while keeping the molecule gentle, and the sulfosuccinate backbone stabilizes rich creamy foam. Finally, its hydrotropic nature keeps fragrance oils and other ingredients evenly dispersed so formulas stay smooth.
While it is not the most famous surfactant on store shelves, formulators like it for sulfate-free shampoos, baby washes and sensitive-skin cleansers where mildness and lather are both important. Safety reviews and industry use levels show it is well tolerated for most people, with only rare irritation reports. As with any new personal care product it is smart to do a quick patch test first to make sure your skin agrees.