Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate

What is Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate?

Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate is a synthetic anionic surfactant from the sulfosuccinate group, derived from undecylenic acid—a fatty acid obtained from castor oil—amidated with monoethanolamine and modified with sulfosuccinic anhydride. It appears in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and baby products as a key cleansing component. By reducing water's surface tension, it forms micelles that lift dirt, oils, and residues for easy rinsing. It generates creamy, stable foam for improved user experience and acts as a hydrotrope to dissolve lipophilic ingredients like scents, ensuring clear, stable formulas. Valued for mildness, it cleanses without overly disrupting the skin's moisture barrier.

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.

Benefits

Delivers effective dirt and oil removal with minimal disruption to skin lipids.

Produces rich, creamy lather that enhances the sensory appeal of cleansers.

Improves formula stability by solubilizing fragrances and oils in water bases.

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 needing gentle wash-off products.	Those with rare allergies to castor oil derivatives.
Users of baby shampoos and no-tear formulas.	Individuals sensitive to ethanolamine-based compounds.
People seeking non-comedogenic cleansers for acne-prone skin.	People preferring strictly plant-derived or sulfate-free surfactants.

Safety Notes

Recognized as a low-hazard ingredient in cosmetic safety assessments.
Exhibits low potential for skin and eye irritation in rinse-off uses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium Undecylenamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its mild profile makes it common in products for delicate skin types.

Does it help with foaming?

It boosts foam volume and stability for a better cleansing experience.

Can it cause breakouts?

With a comedogenic rating of 0, it poses minimal pore-clogging risk.