Trisodium Sulfosuccinate

What is Trisodium Sulfosuccinate?

Trisodium sulfosuccinate is the trisodium salt of sulfosuccinic acid, a synthetic compound produced by sulfonation of succinic anhydride derivatives. This anionic surfactant features a hydrophilic head with sulfonate and carboxylate groups, enabling strong water interaction, and a small hydrophobic tail for balanced surface activity. Primarily used in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, it lowers surface tension to lift dirt, sebum, and residues while generating stable foam. Beyond cleansing, it solubilizes hydrophobic components such as fragrances or oils in aqueous formulas, preventing phase separation. It also sequesters metal ions to enhance shelf life and adjusts pH for formulation stability, making it versatile in mild, clear cosmetic systems.

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:

Buffering agent

Maintains the pH stability of a formulation.

Chelating agent

Binds to metal ions to prevent them from affecting product stability or skin.

Hydrotrope

Improves solubility of poorly soluble ingredients (like fragrances) in water-based systems, helping maintain clarity and prevent separation or cloudiness.

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Benefits

Delivers effective yet gentle cleansing and foaming in washes.

Enhances solubility of other ingredients for uniform, clear products.

Protects formula stability by binding metals and buffering pH.

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 seeking mild surfactants in daily cleansers.	Those with rare sulfosuccinate sensitivities.
Users of fragrance-containing products for better clarity.	Individuals experiencing reactions to anionic surfactants.
People preferring stable, non-separating formulations.	People advised to limit sulfonate-based ingredients.

Safety Notes

Regarded as safe for use in cosmetics at typical levels.
Low potential for comedogenicity or pore clogging.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trisodium Sulfosuccinate

What does trisodium sulfosuccinate do in products?

It cleanses by reducing surface tension, solubilizes ingredients, buffers pH, and chelates metals for stability.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Its mild profile makes it a good choice for gentle, rinse-off cleansers.

Does it cause breakouts?

Rated non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.