Docusate

Docusate (CAS 10041-19-7), also known as dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS), is an anionic surfactant used across pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial cleaning markets.

It functions primarily as a wetting agent, emulsifier, and dispersant, lowering surface tension to improve the penetration and spreadability of formulations in various chemical applications.

In pharmaceuticals, docusate is used as a stool softener excipient and as a solubilizing agent in oral and topical drug formulations. Personal care manufacturers incorporate it into shampoos and conditioners.

It is also used in skin cleansers where it improves ingredient dispersion and enhances product texture. Industrial and institutional cleaning products rely on it to boost the wetting of active agents.

In paper and leather processing, it acts as a dispersant to improve dye uptake and surface treatment uniformity. Docusate is commercially available as a liquid or waxy solid depending on the form.

Sodium, calcium, and potassium salts are the most common counterion forms. Pharmaceutical-grade material is supplied to USP and BP specifications for high-purity manufacturing requirements.

Technical-grade material serves industrial cleaning and textile applications where standard performance is needed. Packaging typically ranges from drums to IBC containers for bulk procurement needs.