What Is Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate?
Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate is a gentle surfactant made by attaching two units of ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol, then reacting the result with maleic anhydride and neutralizing it with sodium hydroxide and monoethanolamine. The outcome is a salt that dissolves easily in water and can handle both oil and water in a formula. Surfactants like this first appeared in the mid-20th century when chemists were looking for cleansing agents that were milder than traditional soaps. Over time the ingredient found a place in personal care because it produces creamy foam without stripping skin or hair.
You will spot Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate in face cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, shampoos, micellar waters, baby washes, makeup removers and some shaving creams. Its balance of cleansing power and mildness makes it popular in “sulfate-free” products aimed at sensitive skin or color-treated hair.
Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-purpose ingredient adds several practical advantages to a formula:
- Cleansing: Lifts dirt, oil and buildup from skin or hair so they can be rinsed away with water
- Emulsifying: Helps keep oil and water mixed, improving texture and stability of creams or lotions
- Foam Boosting: Creates a rich lather that users associate with effective cleaning
- Hydrotrope: Increases the solubility of other ingredients, allowing clear solutions at lower surfactant levels
Who Can Use Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate
This mild surfactant suits most skin types including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it cleans without aggressively stripping natural oils. Dry or eczema-prone skin can usually tolerate it, yet very compromised skin barriers may still find any foaming agent a little dehydrating if used too often, so pairing it with moisturizers is wise.
The compound is made from plant-derived or synthetic raw materials and contains no animal by-products, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Products containing Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate are generally considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women since the ingredient stays mostly on the surface and is rinsed off, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before introducing new personal care products.
The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity and does not react with sunlight. It is also gentle enough for use on color-treated hair and in baby care formulas.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate differ from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur, although most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes, especially in higher concentrations
- Temporary skin tightness or dryness when used in very frequent washes or left on too long
- Rare cases of contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to surfactants
- Increased penetration of other active ingredients which might heighten their irritant potential
If any discomfort, redness or swelling occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 (non-comedogenic)
Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that does not linger on skin and has no oily or waxy residues, so it lacks the characteristics that typically block pores. Because it is almost always used in rinse-off formats its chance of contributing to blackheads or breakouts is extremely low.
Suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
Keep in mind that finished formulas vary; heavy oils or butters combined with the surfactant could still clog pores, but the ingredient itself poses minimal risk.
Summary
Sodium/Mea Laureth-2 Sulfosuccinate acts as a cleanser, emulsifier, foam booster and hydrotrope. Its molecular structure has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail that surround dirt and oil, lift them from skin or hair then let water wash them away. The two ethylene oxide units soften its action, giving a creamy lather without harshness, while the sulfosuccinate group helps it stay gentle yet effective.
The ingredient is popular in sulfate-free face washes, body washes, baby products and color-safe shampoos because it strikes a balance between cleansing power and mild feel. It is less common in leave-on skincare where milder surfactants or no surfactant at all are preferred.
Regulatory bodies consider it safe at the levels found in cosmetics, irritation reports are rare and allergic reactions are uncommon. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is wise to patch test any new product containing this surfactant to rule out personal sensitivity.