Ingredient review

Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate

INCI: Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate

A mild, castor-oil-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle enough for sensitive skin.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

This ingredient is a gentle soap-like molecule that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's made from castor oil and is designed to clean without making your skin feel tight or dry. You'll often find it in products labeled 'gentle' or 'for sensitive skin' because it's less likely to cause irritation than harsher 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 Undecylenamido MEA-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 Undecylenamido MEA-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 Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate is a mild anionic surfactant, meaning it has a negative charge that helps it lift away dirt and oil. It is derived from undecylenic acid, which comes from castor oil, and is modified to be extra gentle on skin and eyes.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, this ingredient reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing the product to foam and spread easily. It surrounds dirt and oil particles, suspending them in water so they can be rinsed off without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Pros

Very gentle on skin

This surfactant is known for its low irritation potential, making it a great choice for sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, or baby care products.

Effective but mild cleansing

It removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, so your face doesn't feel tight or dry after washing.

Cons and cautions

Not for heavy-duty oil removal

While it cleanses well, it may not be strong enough to remove heavy waterproof makeup or very oily residues on its own.

Can be drying in high amounts

If used at very high concentrations or combined with harsher surfactants, it may still cause some dryness for already dry skin types.

Best for

People with sensitive or easily irritated skin
Those looking for a gentle daily cleanser
Parents choosing mild baby washes or shampoos

Use caution if

Individuals with known allergies to castor oil derivatives (rare)

Usage tips

Look for this ingredient in the middle of the ingredient list for a balanced, gentle formula.

Pair with a moisturizer after cleansing if you have dry skin, even with mild surfactants.

Avoid using cleansers with this ingredient if you have an open wound or active skin infection.

Safety summary

Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. As with any ingredient, patch test if you have known sensitivities.

Research notes

Research on sulfosuccinates generally shows they are mild surfactants with low skin and eye irritation potential. Studies indicate they are effective cleansers that do not significantly disrupt the skin barrier when used in typical rinse-off formulations.

Common label clues

Typical concentration: 1% to 10%
Regulatory status: Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar sulfosuccinates and found them safe for use in rinse-off products at typical concentrations.
Common uses: Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
Environmental note: Derived from castor oil, a renewable plant source, and is generally considered biodegradable, reducing its environmental impact compared to some synthetic surfactants.

Good to know

This ingredient is often used in 'no-tears' baby shampoos because it is very mild on the eyes.
It is biodegradable and derived from renewable castor oil, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to some petroleum-based surfactants.

Common questions

What is Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate in beauty products?

What does Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate do in a beauty product?

Is Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate safe for most people?

Who should be careful with Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate?

Individuals with known allergies to castor oil derivatives (rare)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety of SulfosuccinatesOpen PubChem - Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-SulfosuccinateOpen EWG Skin Deep - Disodium Undecylenamido MEA-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.