Quick answer

Cleansing agent found in products such as face wash, bubble bath, and shampoo; Noted for its gentleness + foam-boosting properties; Can enhance the water solubility of other surfactants; Can be sourced naturally (plant derived) or synthetically (lab created)

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate

Updated

Poly(Oxy-1,2-Ethanediyl), .alpha.-(3-Carboxy-1-Oxo-3-Sulfopropyl)-.omega.-(Dodecyloxy)-, Disodium Salt

Purpose

Gentle cleansing agent noted for boosting foaming properties.

Rating

GOOD

Category

Cleansing Agent

INCI Purpose

CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, SURFACTANT - HYDROTROPE

Alternative Names

Hair Profile

Functions

Gentle Surfactant

At a Glance

Cleansing agent found in products such as face wash, bubble bath, and shampoo

Noted for its gentleness + foam-boosting properties

Can enhance the water solubility of other surfactants

Can be sourced naturally (plant derived) or synthetically (lab created)

Article

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is a cleansing agent found in products such as face wash, bubble bath, and shampoo, as well as other personal care products. It can help boost the foaming properties of such formulas plus enhance the water solubility of other surfactants. Suppliers of this ingredient note its gentleness on skin.

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate can be sourced naturally (plant derived) or synthetically (lab created). It is described as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish liquid in raw material form. Technically speaking, it is the disodium salt of an ethoxylated lauryl alcohol half ester of sulfosuccinic acid.

The 2015 Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel surveyed 607 personal care products containing disodium laureth sulfosuccinate in concentrations between 0.06% to 2% for leave-on formulas and 0.4% to 10% for rinse-off. They concluded that this ingredient is “safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating.”

References