The present invention relates to an alkyl glycoside sulfomethylsuccinate having the formula R1-O-Sn-R2 wherein R1 is an alkyl radical having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, S is a monosaccharide moiety, and R2 is a sulfomethylsuccinate moiety. Furthermore the present invention relates to a process for making this alkyl glycoside sulfomethylsuccinate and to an alkyl glycoside itaconate which is a useful intermediate for use in this process. Furthermore the present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising the alkyl glycoside sulfomethylsuccinate and to the use of the alkyl glycoside sulfomethylsuccinate for improving the foam stability of a cosmetic composition.