Ingredient review

Disodium Sulfolaurate/Myristate

INCI: DISODIUM 2-SULFOLAURATE/MYRISTATE

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

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In plain English

This ingredient is a mild soap-like molecule made from natural oils (like coconut or palm). It helps water mix with dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away, but it's much less harsh than traditional sulfates like SLS. Your skin won't feel tight or dry after using it.

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 Sulfolaurate/Myristate 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 Sulfolaurate/Myristate.
  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 2-sulfolaurate/myristate is a surfactant produced by sulfonating lauric and myristic acids (from plant oils) and neutralizing them with a sodium salt. It belongs to the sulfonate family, known for their mildness and hard-water tolerance.

How it works

It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be lifted from the skin and rinsed off. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating than smaller sulfates, so it cleans effectively without disrupting the skin barrier.

Pros

Very gentle on skin

Unlike SLS, this surfactant cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for daily use on sensitive or dry skin.

Eco-friendly profile

It is biodegradable and often derived from renewable plant sources, reducing environmental impact compared to petroleum-based surfactants.

Cons and cautions

May not foam as much

Some users expect a big, bubbly lather; this ingredient produces a creamier, lower foam that might feel less 'clean' to those used to sulfates.

Potential sustainability concerns

If sourced from palm oil, it may contribute to deforestation unless certified sustainable. Always check brand sourcing policies.

Best for

  • People with dry or sensitive skin
  • Those seeking sulfate-free or gentle cleansers
  • Anyone with eczema or rosacea

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known allergies to coconut or palm derivatives (rare)

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off products for best results; leave-on formulas may feel tacky.
Pair with a moisturizer after cleansing if you have very dry skin.
Look for products that list it early in the ingredient list for effective cleansing.

Safety summary

Considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. Low irritation and sensitization potential. No known carcinogenic or reproductive toxicity concerns based on current data.

Research notes

Studies show sulfonate surfactants like this one have excellent mildness profiles and low skin penetration. They are well-tolerated in repeated patch tests and are recommended for sensitive skin formulations.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–15% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics globally (EU, US, Japan) with no concentration restrictions for rinse-off products.
Common uses
Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
Environmental note
Biodegradable under aerobic conditions; however, sourcing from palm oil may require certification (e.g., RSPO) to ensure sustainability.

Good to know

  • Often combined with other mild surfactants to boost foam and stability.
  • Approved by COSMOS and Ecocert for natural cosmetics.
  • pH range for optimal performance is 5.5–7.0.

Common questions

What is Disodium Sulfolaurate/Myristate in beauty products?

This ingredient is a mild soap-like molecule made from natural oils (like coconut or palm). It helps water mix with dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away, but it's much less harsh than traditional sulfates like SLS. Your skin won't feel tight or dry after using it.

What does Disodium Sulfolaurate/Myristate do in a beauty product?

It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be lifted from the skin and rinsed off. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating than smaller sulfates, so it cleans effectively without disrupting the skin barrier.

Is Disodium Sulfolaurate/Myristate safe for most people?

Considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. Low irritation and sensitization potential. No known carcinogenic or reproductive toxicity concerns based on current data.

Who should be careful with Disodium Sulfolaurate/Myristate?

Individuals with known allergies to coconut or palm derivatives (rare)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety Assessment of SulfonatesOpenPubChem – Disodium 2-sulfolaurateOpenEWG Skin Deep – Disodium 2-sulfolaurate/myristateOpen

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.