What Is Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate?
Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate is a plant-derived surfactant made from castor oil and a type of mild fruit sugar alcohol called glycol. Chemists change the natural castor oil by adding succinic acid and a small amount of sulfate then neutralize the mix with sodium to create a water-friendly powder or viscous liquid. The result is a gentle ingredient that lowers the surface tension between oil and water so they can mix evenly.
The cosmetic world began using castor derivatives in the early 1900s because they were readily available and easy to turn into soaps. As consumers started asking for milder cleansers in the 1980s formulators looked for surfactants that cleaned skin without stripping it. By tweaking traditional castor soap chemistry suppliers introduced Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate which quickly found a place in sulfate-free shampoos and face washes.
Today the ingredient shows up in foaming facial cleansers everyday shampoos micellar waters shower gels and even some lightweight moisturizers where a bit of extra cleansing action is useful. It dissolves oils makeup and dirt while staying gentle enough for daily use.
Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-tasking ingredient helps a wide range of products perform better
- Cleansing: Lifts away excess sebum makeup and grime without leaving skin or hair feeling squeaky or tight which makes it ideal for sensitive users
- Emulsifying: Keeps oil and water phases blended so lotions stay smooth and clear gels do not separate improving shelf life and user experience
Who Can Use Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate
Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate works well for most skin types including oily combination normal and sensitive because it cleans gently and rinses without residue. Extremely dry or compromised skin might feel a touch of tightness if a formula contains a high level of the surfactant so pairing it with moisturizers is helpful in those cases.
The ingredient is plant based coming from castor oil and contains no animal by-products which makes it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data shows no known risks for pregnant or breastfeeding users when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a qualified doctor before adding new skincare products just to be safe.
Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no special timing rules about when to apply it.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate vary from person to person. The points below list potential but uncommon effects. When the ingredient is used correctly in finished products most users will not notice these issues.
- Mild skin irritation or redness
- Dry or tight feeling after washing if the formula lacks added moisturizers
- Stinging if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to castor derivatives
If you experience any discomfort stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate is highly water soluble and usually rinses off cleanly so it is unlikely to linger in pores or trap oil. Its castor origin might raise concerns for some but the chemical changes it goes through remove the heavy components that could clog pores. Most finished products use it at low levels which further lowers any risk of breakouts.
This makes it generally suitable for acne-prone or easily congested skin.
Because it often appears in gentle sulfate-free formulas the overall product design usually supports clear skin by avoiding harsh scrubbing that can trigger extra oil production.
Summary
Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. It loosens the bond between oil and water so dirt makeup and sebum can lift away then keeps the mixture stable so the product stays smooth from the first pump to the last. This mild action lets brands build sulfate-free shampoos facial washes and micellar waters that clean without stripping.
It is not a superstar name like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide but formulators appreciate it for behind-the-scenes reliability. You will most often spot it in gentle everyday cleansers aimed at sensitive or balanced skin types.
Current research shows the ingredient is safe at typical use levels with low irritation potential. Still skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to patch test any new product containing Sodium Bisglycol Ricinosulfosuccinate before slathering it on fully.