Ingredient review

Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate

INCI: DISODIUM PEG-5 LAURYLCITRATE SULFOSUCCINATE

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

This is a mild soap-like ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's made from citric acid (found in citrus fruits) and lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil), then modified to be extra gentle. Unlike harsher cleansers, it won't strip your skin's natural moisture barrier, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

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: semi synthetic
Evidence: moderate
Irritation: low
Clogging risk: low

How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate 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 PEG-5 Laurylcitrate 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

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 PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate is a semi-synthetic surfactant, meaning it's a cleansing agent created by chemically modifying natural fatty acids and citric acid. It belongs to the sulfosuccinate family, known for their mildness and ability to create a rich, creamy lather.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, this ingredient reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt on the skin to be emulsified and washed away. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating and less irritating than smaller, harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.

Pros

Extra gentle on skin

Its large molecular structure means it's less likely to penetrate and irritate the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin barriers.

Sulfate-free alternative

Provides effective cleansing without the harshness of sulfates like SLS, helping to prevent dryness and irritation.

Cons and cautions

Moderate cleansing power

It may not be strong enough to remove heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen in a single wash, so a double-cleansing routine might be needed.

Semi-synthetic origin

While derived from natural sources, it undergoes chemical processing, which may not align with a '100% natural' skincare philosophy.

Best for

People with sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin
Anyone looking for a sulfate-free, gentle cleanser

Use caution if

Those who prefer completely natural or plant-derived ingredients only

Usage tips

Use in a double-cleansing routine: follow an oil-based cleanser with a product containing this ingredient for a thorough but gentle second cleanse.

Look for it in sulfate-free and 'gentle' labeled cleansers, especially if you have reactive or dry skin.

Safety summary

Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate 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 sulfosuccinate surfactants indicates they are among the mildest cleansing agents available, with low skin irritation and sensitization potential. Studies support their use in formulations for sensitive and compromised skin.

Common label clues

Typical concentration: 1–10% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status: Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission. It is considered safe at typical concentrations used in rinse-off products.
Common uses: Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
Environmental note: Sulfosuccinates are generally biodegradable, but the PEG (polyethylene glycol) portion may raise concerns about persistence in the environment. Look for brands that prioritize eco-friendly sourcing.

Good to know

This ingredient is often found in baby shampoos and sensitive-skin formulations due to its low irritation potential.
It is biodegradable and generally considered environmentally friendly compared to some other surfactants.

Common questions

What is Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate in beauty products?

What does Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate do in a beauty product?

Is Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate safe for most people?

Who should be careful with Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfosuccinate?

Those who prefer completely natural or plant-derived ingredients only

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of SulfosuccinatesOpen European Commission - CosIng DatabaseOpen PubMed - Mild Surfactants for Sensitive SkinOpen

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.