Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate

What is Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate?

Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate is a diester salt formed from cetearyl alcohol, a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols derived from natural fats, and sulfosuccinic acid. This anionic surfactant appears as a white to pale yellow paste or powder, commonly incorporated into shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and conditioners at levels supporting mild performance. It works by reducing surface tension between oil and water, allowing effective removal of dirt and sebum without harsh stripping. Its amphiphilic structure enables micelle formation for solubilizing impurities, while providing emulsion stability in creamy formulas. As a hydrotrope, it enhances clarity by solubilizing other actives, and contributes to rich, stable foam. Valued for its gentleness, it suits formulations targeting sensitive skin areas, minimizing disruption to the skin barrier during wash-off applications.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

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.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Foam booster
Enhances foam volume and creaminess and can stabilize lather, improving sensory feel and perceived cleansing in shampoos and wash-off products.
Hydrotrope
Improves solubility of poorly soluble ingredients (like fragrances) in water-based systems, helping maintain clarity and prevent separation or cloudiness.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing by effectively lifting dirt and oils without over-drying.

Supports stable emulsions for smooth-textured lotions and cleansers.

Boosts creamy foam for improved product spreadability and rinse-off feel.

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 sensitive skin seeking mild surfactants in daily cleansers.
Anyone with known allergies to sulfosuccinate compounds.
Individuals preferring foam-rich shampoos and body washes.
People experiencing irritation from succinate-based surfactants.
Those using emulsified products like conditioners for added softness.
Those preferring completely sulfate- and succinate-free routines.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by environmental working group assessments.
  • Considered safe for rinse-off use in cosmetics by cosmetic ingredient review.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate

What makes it a mild cleanser?

Its structure allows effective dirt removal with minimal barrier disruption.

Is it suitable for baby products?

Often used in gentle, low-irritation formulations for children.

Does it cause comedones?

Rated non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.