Ingredient review
Sodium Succinate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer
INCI: SODIUM SUCCINATE LAURYLGLUCOSIDE CROSSPOLYMER
A gentle, plant-derived cleansing polymer that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.
In plain English
This ingredient is a mild cleanser made from sugar (glucose) and coconut-derived fatty acids. It helps wash away makeup, oil, and dirt while being very gentle on the skin. Unlike harsh soaps, it doesn't strip away your skin's natural moisture barrier, so your face feels clean but not tight or dry.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
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
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Sodium Succinate Laurylglucoside 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 Sodium Succinate Laurylglucoside 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic polymer created by crosslinking succinic acid with lauryl glucoside (a sugar-based surfactant). It forms a large, mild cleansing molecule that is biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources.
How it works
In a cleanser, it surrounds oil and dirt particles, lifting them away from the skin so they can be rinsed off with water. Its large molecular structure makes it too big to penetrate deeply into the skin, so it stays on the surface and cleanses gently without irritation.
Pros
Ultra-gentle cleansing
Its large polymer structure means it cleanses without penetrating or irritating the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
Eco-friendly profile
Made from glucose and coconut-derived fatty acids, it is biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact compared to many petroleum-based surfactants.
Cons and cautions
Low foam
It produces minimal lather, which may feel less satisfying to those accustomed to foaming cleansers, though foam is not necessary for effective cleansing.
Limited heavy makeup removal
On its own, it may struggle to fully remove long-wear or waterproof makeup, often requiring a double-cleansing step with an oil-based cleanser.
Best for
- People with sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin
- Those looking for a sulfate-free, gentle daily cleanser
Use caution if
- Individuals who prefer a high-foam, squeaky-clean feeling may find it too mild
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin types.
Research notes
While specific studies on this exact crosspolymer are limited, the individual components (lauryl glucoside and succinic acid) are well-studied and recognized as safe by cosmetic safety panels. Its mildness is supported by its large molecular structure and sugar-based origin.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. No known restrictions.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources, making it a more sustainable choice compared to many synthetic surfactants.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the top of ingredient lists in gentle cleansers, indicating it is a primary cleansing agent.
- It is compatible with other mild surfactants and can be used in both clear and creamy formulas.
Common questions
What is Sodium Succinate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer in beauty products?
This ingredient is a mild cleanser made from sugar (glucose) and coconut-derived fatty acids. It helps wash away makeup, oil, and dirt while being very gentle on the skin. Unlike harsh soaps, it doesn't strip away your skin's natural moisture barrier, so your face feels clean but not tight or dry.
What does Sodium Succinate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?
In a cleanser, it surrounds oil and dirt particles, lifting them away from the skin so they can be rinsed off with water. Its large molecular structure makes it too big to penetrate deeply into the skin, so it stays on the surface and cleanses gently without irritation.
Is Sodium Succinate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer safe for most people?
Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin types.
Who should be careful with Sodium Succinate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer?
Individuals who prefer a high-foam, squeaky-clean feeling may find it too mild
Research sources
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.