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DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE

Last update on Apr 8, 2026

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is a cleansing agent or a surfactant commonly found in shampoos and hair cleansing formulas. It is a mild, anionic, and non-irritating surfactant but has great foaming properties. It has been recommended for use in gentle cleansers and for babies or sensitive skin. Is disodium Laureth sulfosuccinate a sulfate? No. It is a compound in which the sulfate ion has been replaced by a sulfonated ester, thus providing a safe, effective, and non-irritating cleanser. As opposed to sulfates which are small molecules, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is a large molecule that cannot penetrate into the scalp or skin.

CAS Number: 39354-45-5 / 40754-59-4 / 42016-08-0 / 58450-52-5 / 68815-56-5Chem/IUPAC Name: Disodium;4-[2-(2-dodecoxyethoxy)ethoxy]-4-oxo-3-sulfonatobutanoateEINECS/ELINCS No: 255-062-3COSING REF No: 75765

Products with DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE

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Flexisurf™ SS-40E

by Innovative Chemical Technologies

INCI: DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE

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Lumorol RK

by Zschimmer & Schwarz

INCI: AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE | COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE | DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE | SULFATED CASTOR OIL

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LUMOROL K 5019

by Zschimmer & Schwarz

INCI: DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE | SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE

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What is DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE used for?

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is found in low concentrations in toothpaste, shampoos, shaving creams, and bubble bath formulations for its foaming and surfactant properties and for its thickening ability. In shampoos, it provides mild cleansing and rich lathering properties, without stripping the moisture from the hair. It should not exceed the concentration of 1% in products intended for prolonged skin contact.

Origin

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is synthesized by treating lauryl alcohol with sulfur trioxide gas, oleum, or chlorosulfuric acid to produce hydrogen lauryl sulfate. The resulting product is then neutralized by the addition of sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

What does DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE do in a formulation?

CLEANSING|

FOAM BOOSTING|

FOAMING|

SURFACTANT

Safety Profile

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is generally recognized as safe under a concentration of 1%. It has a low hazard rating from EWG (typically 1) with minimal concerns for irritation or sensitization. It is significantly gentler than SLS/SLES and is suitable for sensitive skin, baby products, and eye-area formulations.