Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate?

Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate is a synthetic anionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating lauryl citrate with five PEG units and then esterifying with sulfosuccinic anhydride. It belongs to the sulfosuccinate family, prized for mildness in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. In formulations, it reduces surface tension to generate foam and remove dirt, oils, and residues effectively. Its emulsifying properties stabilize oil-in-water mixtures, preventing phase separation in creamy textures. As a hydrotrope, it enhances the solubility of hydrophobic components such as fragrances or oils in aqueous bases, ensuring product clarity and homogeneity throughout shelf life. This multifunctional role makes it suitable for everyday cleansing products requiring gentle yet efficient performance.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 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.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Hydrotrope
Improves solubility of poorly soluble ingredients (like fragrances) in water-based systems, helping maintain clarity and prevent separation or cloudiness.

Benefits

Provides gentle foaming and cleansing action suitable for daily use in washes and shampoos.

Supports stable emulsions for smooth, consistent lotion and cleanser textures.

Boosts solubility of other ingredients, helping formulas stay clear and uniform.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of shampoos and body washes seeking mild cleansing without harshness.
Individuals sensitive to PEG-containing compounds.
People preferring clear, non-separating water-based skincare products.
Those preferring completely PEG-free formulations.
Formulators creating stable emulsions for personal care items.
People with allergies to sulfosuccinate derivatives.

Safety Notes

  • Rated moderate concern by EWG due to potential impurities in PEG processing, but safe in cosmetics when purified.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores in rinse-off products.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate

What role does it play in skincare?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and foaming, emulsifier for stable textures, and hydrotrope for ingredient solubility.

Is it comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it suitable for non-pore-clogging formulas.

How safe is it for sensitive skin?

Considered mild among surfactants, with low irritation potential in rinse-off products.