Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate

Sulfate Surfactant

What is Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate?

Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate is a synthetic anionic surfactant, chemically the sodium salt of the dioctyl ester of sulfosuccinic acid. It features two hydrophobic octyl chains attached to a hydrophilic succinate headgroup, enabling it to interact effectively at oil-water interfaces. Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and emulsion-based moisturizers, it performs multiple roles by reducing surface tension to facilitate dirt and oil removal through micelle formation. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures for smooth textures in creams and lotions. Its hydrotropic properties enhance the solubility of hydrophobic components like fragrances, preventing phase separation and maintaining product clarity. This versatility makes it a staple in mild cleansing formulations across personal care products.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Cleansing agent

Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Hydrotrope

Improves solubility of poorly soluble ingredients (like fragrances) in water-based systems, helping maintain clarity and prevent separation or cloudiness.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Supports gentle cleansing by lifting impurities without harsh stripping.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cream textures.

Improves solubility of fragrances and oils for clear, stable formulas.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
People with normal to oily skin seeking mild cleansers.	Those with known allergies to sulfosuccinate esters.
Individuals preferring clear, non-separating liquid products.	People experiencing irritation from anionic surfactants.
Users of shampoos and body washes needing effective foaming.	Individuals preferring completely sulfate-free formulations.

Safety Notes

Rated low hazard by environmental working groups.
Deemed safe for cosmetic use by expert review panels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate

What does Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate do in products?

It cleanses by forming micelles, emulsifies oils and water, and solubilizes hard-to-mix ingredients.

Is it safe for daily use?

Expert panels consider it safe in typical cosmetic concentrations.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of zero, suitable for acne-prone skin.