Ingredient review

Disodium Sulfosuccinate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer

INCI: DISODIUM SULFOSUCCINATE DECYLGLUCOSIDE CROSSPOLYMER

A mild, low-irritation cleansing ingredient that helps create a rich foam and thicken formulas without stripping the skin.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made by combining a sugar-based compound (decylglucoside) with a mild surfactant (sulfosuccinate). It helps products foam up nicely and feel thicker and more luxurious, while being much less harsh on the skin than traditional sulfates like SLS. It's often used in 'gentle' or 'sensitive skin' cleansers.

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 Sulfosuccinate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer 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 Sulfosuccinate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer.
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

A semi-synthetic polymer that acts as both a surfactant (cleansing agent) and a thickener. It is created by crosslinking decylglucoside (from glucose and coconut oil) with disodium sulfosuccinate, resulting in a large molecule that cleans without penetrating deeply into the skin.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, it reduces the surface tension of water to help lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Its large molecular structure means it stays mostly on the skin's surface, so it is less likely to cause irritation or strip natural oils. It also increases the viscosity (thickness) of the formula, giving a pleasant, creamy texture.

Pros

Extremely gentle cleansing

Its large molecular size means it cleans without penetrating deep into the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and stripping natural moisture.

Sulfate-free foam

Provides a satisfying, creamy lather without using harsh sulfates like SLS or SLES, making it ideal for sensitive skin routines.

Cons and cautions

Limited heavy-duty cleansing

May not fully remove long-wear or waterproof makeup on its own, so you might need a separate oil-based cleanser first.

Potential for slight dryness

In very high concentrations, it can still have a mild drying effect, though much less than traditional surfactants.

Best for

People with sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin
Anyone looking for a sulfate-free cleanser that still foams well

Use caution if

Those who prefer completely non-foaming cleansing balms or oils

Usage tips

Use as part of a double-cleansing routine if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen.

Look for it in the first few ingredients of a cleanser to ensure it's the main cleansing agent.

Pair with a moisturizing toner or serum after cleansing to maintain hydration.

Safety summary

Disodium Sulfosuccinate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer 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 reported in standard use.

Research notes

Research on this specific crosspolymer is limited, but its components (decylglucoside and sulfosuccinate) are well-studied and recognized as mild, low-irritation surfactants. Safety assessments by cosmetic ingredient review panels support its use in rinse-off products.

Common label clues

Typical concentration: 1–10% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status: Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the EU and US FDA, with no known restrictions at typical concentrations.
Common uses: Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
Environmental note: Derived from renewable plant sources (glucose and coconut oil) and is biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly choice compared to petroleum-based surfactants.

Good to know

This ingredient is often listed near the top of ingredient lists in sulfate-free cleansers.
It is considered biodegradable and environmentally friendlier than many traditional surfactants.

Common questions

What is Disodium Sulfosuccinate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer in beauty products?

What does Disodium Sulfosuccinate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?

Is Disodium Sulfosuccinate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer safe for most people?

Who should be careful with Disodium Sulfosuccinate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer?

Those who prefer completely non-foaming cleansing balms or oils

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety of Alkyl GlucosidesOpen PubChem - Disodium SulfosuccinateOpen Environmental Working Group (EWG) - Decyl GlucosideOpen

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.