Is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
INCI name DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE. Also called DLS. CAS 39354-45-5.
Other names: DLS, SCS, Sodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Eucerin Baby Wash & Shampoo, CeraVe Baby Wash, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Gentle Cleansing Body Wash |
| CAS number | 39354-45-5 |
What is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate?
Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is a mild anionic surfactant derived from the succinic acid ester of laureth alcohol. It is considered one of the gentlest ionic surfactants available and is specifically recommended for baby and sensitive-skin formulations.
Why is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate used in personal-care products?
Used as a primary or secondary surfactant in gentle rinse-off products; it delivers good foam without significantly compromising skin barrier function.
Is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate dangerous? Documented risks
Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is among the least irritating surfactants evaluated by the CIR. It does not penetrate the skin barrier significantly and is safe at concentrations used in cosmetics. No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine-disrupting effects have been found. It may contain trace ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, addressed by manufacturing controls.
Products that may contain Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
How to avoid Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: safer alternatives
Sodium cocoyl isethionate for equally mild powder-form cleansing.
Frequently asked questions about Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Is disodium laureth sulfosuccinate safe for eczema-prone skin?
It is one of the most recommended surfactants for eczema-prone skin precisely because of its very low irritation potential. Dermatologists frequently recommend products containing it for atopic dermatitis patients.
Is it sulfate-free?
No. Although milder than SLS or SLES, it does contain a sulfonate group and is technically a sulfonate. It may be marketed as 'sulfate-free' in some brands, which is technically accurate (no sulfate group), but chemically it is closely related to sulfates.
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Sources
- Safety Assessment of Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate — Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- EWG Skin Deep: Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.