Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea Sulfosuccinate

What is Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea Sulfosuccinate?

Disodium Ricinoleamido MEA Sulfosuccinate is an anionic surfactant produced from ricinoleic acid, a key component of castor oil, reacted with monoethanolamine and sulfosuccinic acid. It appears in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers within the cleanser category of cosmetics. By reducing water's surface tension, it enables the formation of micelles that lift away oils, dirt, and residues during rinsing. This ingredient excels at generating stable, creamy foam, which improves user perception of cleanliness. It also serves as a hydrotrope, enhancing the solubility of less water-friendly components like fragrances to keep formulations clear. Its mild profile supports light skin conditioning, contributing to smoother feel post-rinse without residue.

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.
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.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Provides effective yet gentle dirt and oil removal.

Creates abundant, stable lather for satisfying cleanse.

Helps maintain clear, uniform product texture by solubilizing actives.

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 preferring mild wash-off cleansers.
Those with allergies to castor oil or ricinoleic acid.
Individuals seeking foam-enhanced shampoos and body washes.
People sensitive to sulfosuccinate surfactants.
Users of daily cleansing routines wanting balanced hydration.
Individuals experiencing irritation from amide-based ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments for cosmetic use.
  • Generally mild with low irritation potential in rinse-off products.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium Ricinoleamido Mea Sulfosuccinate

What is Disodium Ricinoleamido MEA Sulfosuccinate?

Anionic surfactant from castor oil fatty acids, used for mild foaming and cleansing in rinse-off products.

Is it safe for everyday use?

Yes, safety reviews indicate low hazard in typical cosmetic concentrations.

Does it cause irritation?

Evidence shows low irritation potential, suitable for sensitive formulations.