Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate

Benefits

Cleansing

What is Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate?

Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate is an anionic surfactant produced by esterifying lauryl alcohol—often derived from coconut or palm kernel oil—with succinic anhydride, followed by sulfonation and neutralization with sodium hydroxide. This creates a molecule with both hydrophilic sulfate and lipophilic alkyl chain groups. Primarily used in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and toothpastes, it functions by reducing water's surface tension to enable better spreading and wetting. It forms micelles that trap oils, dirt, and sebum, facilitating their removal during rinsing. Additionally, it generates stable, creamy foam for improved user experience and acts as a hydrotrope to dissolve hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances, preventing phase separation and maintaining product clarity and homogeneity in aqueous formulations. Its mild profile suits daily use.

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.

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

Delivers gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and oils without stripping skin.

Boosts rich, stable foam for even product distribution and satisfying lather.

Enhances formula stability by solubilizing other ingredients effectively.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals with sensitive skin seeking mild cleansers.	Those with rare allergies to sulfosuccinate compounds.
Users of frequent-wash products like shampoos or body washes.	Individuals experiencing irritation from any anionic surfactants.
People preferring gentle foaming alternatives to harsher surfactants.	People opting for completely surfactant-free formulations.

Safety Notes

Recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by expert reviews.
Exhibits low skin and eye irritation potential in formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate

What does Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate do in products?

It cleanses by forming micelles to remove dirt, boosts foam, and stabilizes formulas as a mild surfactant.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its mild nature makes it appropriate for sensitive skin in rinse-off cleansers.

How does it compare to other surfactants?

It offers gentler cleansing and lower irritation than some harsher anionic surfactants.