Ingredient review
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate
INCI: DISODIUM HYDROGENATED COTTONSEED GLYCERIDE SULFOSUCCINATE
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle on the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
In plain English
This ingredient is a gentle soap-like molecule made from cottonseed oil. It helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away, but it's much less harsh than traditional soaps. Think of it as a kind helper that cleans your skin without stripping away its natural moisture barrier.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate is a surfactant, meaning it reduces the surface tension between water and oils. It is created by modifying cottonseed oil with sulfosuccinate, resulting in a very mild cleansing agent often used in products for sensitive skin or baby care.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient works by surrounding oil and dirt particles, allowing them to be lifted off the skin and rinsed away with water. Its large molecular structure makes it less likely to penetrate the skin, which contributes to its low irritation potential.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its large molecular structure means it stays on the surface and doesn't penetrate, reducing the chance of irritation or dryness.
Plant-derived origin
Made from cottonseed oil, it offers a renewable alternative to harsher petroleum-based surfactants.
Cons and cautions
Limited deep-cleansing power
Because it's so mild, it may not remove heavy makeup or very oily residues as effectively as stronger surfactants.
Potential allergen source
Although rare, individuals with cottonseed allergies should check labels, as the ingredient is derived from cottonseed oil.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin
- Those looking for a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- Parents choosing mild baby care products
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to cottonseed oil derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.
Research notes
Research on this specific ingredient is limited, but sulfosuccinate surfactants in general are well-studied and known for their mildness. Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have supported the use of similar sulfosuccinates in rinse-off products.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng). Generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
- Environmental note
- Derived from cottonseed oil, a byproduct of cotton production. Its biodegradability is a plus, but sourcing may involve agricultural practices that vary in sustainability.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often found in 'soap-free' or 'sulfate-free' cleansers.
- It is considered biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than some traditional surfactants.
Common questions
What is Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a gentle soap-like molecule made from cottonseed oil. It helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away, but it's much less harsh than traditional soaps. Think of it as a kind helper that cleans your skin without stripping away its natural moisture barrier.
What does Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient works by surrounding oil and dirt particles, allowing them to be lifted off the skin and rinsed away with water. Its large molecular structure makes it less likely to penetrate the skin, which contributes to its low irritation potential.
Is Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate safe for most people?
Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.
Who should be careful with Disodium Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride Sulfosuccinate?
Individuals with known allergies to cottonseed oil derivatives (rare)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.