Is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Eucerin Baby Wash & Shampoo, CeraVe Baby Wash, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Gentle Cleansing Body Wash.
TL;DR: Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | low |
| Where it shows up | Eucerin Baby Wash & Shampoo, CeraVe Baby Wash, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Gentle Cleansing Body Wash |
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.
What regulators have flagged about Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate →
Audited products that don't contain Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate.
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Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate and pregnancy: common questions
Is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate banned anywhere?
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
Should I avoid Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What products contain Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate?
Commonly found in Eucerin Baby Wash & Shampoo, CeraVe Baby Wash, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Gentle Cleansing Body Wash. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate.
What can I use instead of Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate?
Sodium cocoyl isethionate for equally mild powder-form cleansing. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
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.