Is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate natural?

Coconut lauryl alcohol ethoxylated (3 EO), esterified with petrochemical maleic anhydride and sulfonated with sodium bisulfite.

The synthesis of Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate involves several key steps. First, a fatty alcohol, such as lauryl alcohol (derived from coconut or palm kernel oil), is reacted with ethylene oxide in an ethoxylation process. This reaction, typically catalyzed by a base like potassium hydroxide, adds repeating ethylene oxide units to the fatty alcohol, forming a fatty alcohol ethoxylate. The number of ethoxy units can be controlled to tailor the surfactant properties.

Following ethoxylation, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate is reacted with maleic anhydride. This reaction forms an ester linkage, creating a monoester of fatty alcohol ethoxylate and maleic acid. This step is crucial for introducing the succinate functionality.

The resulting maleic acid derivative is then neutralized with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. This neutralization step converts the carboxylic acid groups to sodium salts. Subsequently, the double bond in the succinate ring is often hydrated or reacted further to form the sulfosuccinate structure, although the direct reaction with sodium bisulfite can also be employed to introduce the sulfonate group, depending on the specific process. The final product is the disodium salt of the laureth sulfosuccinate.

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is a type of surfactant, which means it helps to reduce the surface tension between water and oil. This property makes it excellent at lifting dirt and oil from surfaces, like your skin or hair, and allowing them to be washed away with water. It's often used in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers because it creates a rich, creamy lather and is known for being milder than some other common surfactants, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

CosIng definition: Poly(Oxy-1,2-Ethanediyl), .alpha.-(3-Carboxy-1-Oxo-3-Sulfopropyl)-.omega.-(Dodecyloxy)-, Disodium Salt