A derivative of succinic acid and lauryl alcohol called Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is a surfactant with a wide range of applications. It primarily acts as a washing substance, formulation stabiliser, anti-scaling agent or foaming substance. You can find it in products including shampoos, shower gels and laundry washing liquids or powders.
The compound with the INCI name Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is ethoxylated lauryl alcohol sulfosuccinate disodium salt. Another chemical name of the compound is disodium salt sulfosuccinate. Its CAS number is 39354-45-5. Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate belongs to the group of compounds that are called SLS but is less irritating than them. The compound is produced synthetically, but components may be obtained from plants.
Physical and chemical properties:
The compound is an important ingredient added to cosmetic formulations, which improves the clarity of a product and helps dissolve other components in the cosmetic. Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate has very good foaming properties: it helps generate good quality stable foams in a mixture with non-ionic surfactants. Thus the cosmetic products that contain Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate are mostly dedicated for washing and/or cleaning applications. It features very good skin and hair degreasing properties. It is a detergent used in the production of face, body and hair wash preparations. You can find it in rinse-off cosmetics such as shampoos, shower gels or hand soaps. Moreover, it is used as an ingredient in hair care products including sprays or tints. The compound is suitable for use in cosmetic formulations for the care of sensitive skin; its molecules are large enough to prevent the surfactant from penetrating the skin. In addition, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is capable of reducing the irritating effects of SLES. Note that Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate may be an ingredient of both preparations that contain SLES and those that are SLES free.
Besides its cosmetic application, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is also used as a component of all kinds of industrial-use detergents, laundry washing liquids/powders and dishwashing liquids. It is recommended for such applications due to its gentle effect on the skin. In those products, it shows very good washing properties and generates effective foam, which enhances the cleaning processes.
