Ingredient dictionary

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant, a cleansing agent that lifts oil and dirt and creates a light foam so it rinses away easily. It is on the label of 4 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate does

Lifts oil and dirt from skin and hair
Creates a soft, stable foam
Blends well with other cleansing agents

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is made from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol usually derived from plant oils. That alcohol is linked to small chains that make it more water-friendly, then reacted to add a sulfosuccinate group. The result is a salt, which is why the name begins with disodium.

Formulators use it because it is a mild anionic surfactant, a cleansing agent with a negative charge that lifts oil and dirt. It is found in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, often alongside other cleansers to soften the overall feel. It makes a light, creamy foam and tends to rinse off smoothly, leaving skin and hair feeling clean rather than tight.

Good for

Often chosen by people who want a mild cleanser for daily face, body, or hair washing.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate gentle?

It is generally considered one of the milder cleansing agents. It cleans well without leaving skin or hair feeling as stripped as some harsher surfactants can. Results still depend on the whole formula and on your own skin, so patch testing a new product is a sensible habit.

Is it the same as sodium lauryl sulfate?

No. Both are surfactants, but they are different molecules. This one has extra small chains and a sulfosuccinate group, which usually makes it feel milder. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a stronger cleanser, so it is often used where deep degreasing is wanted.