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SODIUM/MEA LAURETH-2 SULFOSUCCINATE.

Valuable / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, SURFACTANT - HYDROTROPE

SODIUM/MEA LAURETH-2 SULFOSUCCINATE is a mild, multi-functional surfactant well-regarded for its gentle cleansing properties. It effectively lifts impurities from the skin and hair while enhancing foam and stabilizing cosmetic formulations.

Summary

Cleansing Surfactant Foam Boosting Emulsifying

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient acts as a surfactant by significantly lowering the surface tension of water, which improves product wetting and spreadability. Its molecular structure, featuring both a hydrophilic (water-attracting) sulfate end and a lipophilic (fat-attracting) laureth end, allows it to effectively lift and encapsulate oil, dirt, and other impurities into micelles that are easily rinsed away. Beyond cleansing, it also functions as an emulsifier and foam booster, contributing to stable and aesthetically pleasing product textures.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 5–10%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Aqueous solutions of Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (a closely related compound) at 5-10% concentrations did not induce skin irritation in healthy subjects or those with pre-existing dermatitis.
  2. 02 A 14-day cumulative irritation test involving a trade name mixture with an effective concentration of 0.168% Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate predicted it to be a mild skin irritant under normal use conditions.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Due to its ester linkage, sulfosuccinate ingredients are susceptible to hydrolysis, particularly in acidic conditions. However, SODIUM/MEA LAURETH-2 SULFOSUCCINATE, being an ether sulfosuccinate, exhibits superior stability compared to alkyl sulfosuccinates due to the electron-withdrawing effect of its ether moiety. It maintains good stability in alkaline solutions at ambient temperature when protected from light. It can be processed using either hot or cold methods and should be incorporated into the water phase of formulations.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants
  • Nonionic surfactants
  • Amphoteric surfactants

Conflicts

  • Strongly acidic conditions (can lead to hydrolysis)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
1%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that alkyl PEG sulfosuccinates, including closely related compounds like Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, are safe when formulated to be non-irritating. For products intended for prolonged skin contact, the concentration should not exceed 1%. While considered mild for skin at relevant concentrations, it is classified as a moderate to strong eye irritant at higher concentrations (30-39.9%). Suppliers often recommend higher concentrations (e.g., 15-35% in shampoos, 4-40% in general cleansers) for rinse-off products, provided the final formulation remains non-irritating.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

SODIUM/MEA LAURETH-2 SULFOSUCCINATE is a valuable surfactant, offering effective yet gentle cleansing and foaming properties suitable for a wide range of skin types and product formulations when used within recommended concentration guidelines and formulated to be non-irritating.

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