Ingredient review

Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate

INCI: DISODIUM LAURETH-9 SULFOSUCCINATE

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kinder to sensitive skin than many harsher alternatives.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

This ingredient is a type of cleanser that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's known for being much milder than traditional sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, making it a popular choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. It works by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing impurities to be lifted off the skin without stripping away too much of its natural moisture barrier.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

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
synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Disodium Laureth-9 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate is a synthetic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) and maleic acid. It belongs to the sulfosuccinate family, which are known for their mildness and ability to create a rich, creamy lather.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When you wash, the tails grab onto oils and dirt, while the heads stay in the water. This forms tiny droplets that can be rinsed away, cleaning the skin without disrupting its protective barrier as much as harsher surfactants.

Pros

Very gentle on skin

This surfactant has a low irritation score, making it a great choice for people with eczema, rosacea, or easily irritated skin.

Maintains moisture barrier

Unlike harsher sulfates, it cleans without stripping away too many natural oils, helping your skin stay hydrated after washing.

Cons and cautions

Less effective on heavy makeup

If you wear waterproof mascara or long-lasting foundation, you may need a double-cleansing routine or a stronger first cleanser.

Synthetic ingredient

It is not naturally derived, which may be a drawback for those seeking 100% natural or organic skincare products.

Best for

  • People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle daily cleanser
  • Those who prefer low-foam or creamy cleansers over high-foam sulfate-based ones

Use caution if

  • Individuals who need a very strong cleanser to remove heavy, waterproof makeup or long-wear products

Usage tips

Use as part of a double-cleansing routine if you wear heavy makeup — start with an oil-based cleanser, then follow with this gentle surfactant.
Look for it in sulfate-free cleansers if you have dry or sensitive skin, as it provides effective cleansing without the tight feeling.

Safety summary

Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant toxicity concerns have been identified in rinse-off applications. As with any surfactant, avoid contact with eyes.

Research notes

Studies and regulatory reviews (including from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review) support the safety of sulfosuccinates in rinse-off products. They are consistently rated as milder alternatives to traditional sulfates, with good skin compatibility.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–10% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed sulfosuccinates safe for use in rinse-off products at typical concentrations.
Common uses
Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
Environmental note
This ingredient is biodegradable, but its production involves synthetic processing. Some sources of lauryl alcohol may come from palm oil, so look for sustainably sourced versions if that is a concern.

Good to know

  • Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate is often used in baby shampoos because of its mildness.
  • It is biodegradable and generally considered safe for aquatic environments at typical use levels.

Common questions

What is Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate in beauty products?

This ingredient is a type of cleanser that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's known for being much milder than traditional sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, making it a popular choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. It works by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing impurities to be lifted off the skin without stripping away too much of its natural moisture barrier.

What does Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When you wash, the tails grab onto oils and dirt, while the heads stay in the water. This forms tiny droplets that can be rinsed away, cleaning the skin without disrupting its protective barrier as much as harsher surfactants.

Is Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate safe for most people?

Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant toxicity concerns have been identified in rinse-off applications. As with any surfactant, avoid contact with eyes.

Who should be careful with Disodium Laureth-9 Sulfosuccinate?

Individuals who need a very strong cleanser to remove heavy, waterproof makeup or long-wear products

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety Assessment of SulfosuccinatesOpenPubChem – Disodium Laureth-9 SulfosuccinateOpenEWG Skin Deep – Disodium Laureth-9 SulfosuccinateOpen

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.