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Introduction
If you have ever browsed the ingredient list on a shampoo bottle, you may have seen Sodium cocoyl isethionatel – a name that sounds complicated but plays a crucial role in modern hair care. In this guide, you can learn about “What is sodium cocoyl hydroxyethyl sulfonate?” “Is sodium cocoyl hydroxyethyl sulfonate harmful to hair?”. Let’s learn about the components of this common cosmetic and its applications together.
What is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate?
Sodium cocoyl Isethionatel (SCI) is an anionic surfactant derived from natural coconut oil acid. It has the characteristics of mild, extremely low irritation and easy biodegradation. This ingredient is made by mixing fatty acids from coconut oil with hydroxyethyl sulfonic acid. It is a biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaner that can effectively remove dirt and oil without taking away the natural moisture of hair.
As a mild and high foam surfactant added to personal care products, SCI has excellent foaming performance, is not affected by hard water and alkali soap, is stable in hot and cold water, and feels soft, smooth, and silky after washing, which is deeply loved by users. It is widely used in the production of soap, body wash, facial cleanser, foam facial cleanser, body wash and other daily chemical products. Because of its extremely mild, moisturizing, and fat-rich properties, it can form rich pearl-like lotion as a self-emulsifier in facial cleanser, produce rich foam and mild cleaning ability, giving the skin a silky soft and smooth feeling.
Why is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate in Shampoo?
1. Gentle cleaning
Gentle cleaning products contain two elements: first, they have minimal irritation to the skin; second, they contain ingredients that moisturize the skin. And SCI, a surfactant with larger molecules, will not penetrate into the inner layer of the skin and irritate it. It can produce rich foam to remove dirt and excess oil. After cleaning, it will not stimulate the scalp or cause dry hair. It is an ideal choice for dry or curly hair.
2. Moisturize
SCI is composed of cocoyl and isethionate, and its molecule has both hydrophilic and oleophilic groups. Traditional sulfate surfactants (such as SLS) can disrupt lipid barriers and cause water loss; SCI’s “parental structure” strengthens moisturizing while cleaning, increasing skin moisture content by more than 30% after washing
3. pH-Balanced
The most important factor that irritates the skin is pH value, as strong acids and alkalis can also irritate the skin. The pH value of SCI is between 5.0 and 7.0, which is close to the pH value of human skin and has low irritation to the skin.
4. Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
SCI is derived from renewable coconut oil, which can rapidly decompose in water to reduce the toxicity of aquatic organisms, and its performance is superior to synthetic surfactants. A review in the 2021 Green Chemistry journal pointed out that SCI is a “preferred alternative” to sulfates in zero waste and marine safety products.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Powder: Versatility in Cosmetics
For DIY skincare enthusiasts or manufacturers, sodium cocoyl isethionate powder offers flexibility. It’s easy to blend into:
- Solid shampoo bars
- Gentle facial cleansers
- Baby bath products
Advantages of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Powder:
- Easy to store: Stable shelf life, not easily degradable.
- Customizable formula: suitable for making solid shampoo, facial cleanser, or shower gel.
- Concentrated cleaning: A small amount can have a huge effect, reducing waste and costs.
- Adaptability: While it performs better in soft water, combining it with chelating agents (like citric acid) improves lather in hard water.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate vs. Traditional Sulfates
| Feature | SCI | Sulfates (SLS/SLES) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleansing Strength | Mild, non-stripping | Harsh, may over-cleanse |
| Moisture Impact | Retains natural oils | Strips lipids, leading to dryness |
| Eco-Footprint | Biodegradable, low toxicity | Persists in waterways |
| Scalp Compatibility | Safe for sensitive skin | May trigger irritation |
| Hair Color Safety | Protects dyed hair | Accelerates fading |
Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate harmful to hair?
A common question is “Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate safe?” or “Will it damage hair. In fact, research and reviews from dermatologists have confirmed its safety and effectiveness, and SCI is safe and non-irritating for most hair types, including dyed or chemically treated hair.
Why is it harmless to hair?
- Non-irritating: Suitable for sensitive scalp and children.
- Free of sulfates: will not cause excessive drying or damage.
- Environmental safety: rapid biodegradation, minimizing ecological impact to the greatest extent possible.
Recommended for scalp prone to eczema; however, due to individual sensitivity differences, patch testing must be performed when using new products.
Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Safe?
The safety of SCI is backed by organizations like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel, which deems it safe for topical use. Key points:
- Non-Toxic: No evidence of carcinogenicity or hormone disruption.
- Biocompatible: Breaks down naturally without harming aquatic life.
Conclusion
The Future of Gentle Cleansing is Here. Sodium cocoyl isethionate isn’t just a trend—it’s a science-powered revolution. Whether you’re a curly-haired consumer seeking hydration or a formulator crafting vegan serums, SCI’s 7 benefits deliver safety, performance, and sustainability.
Where can you get Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate?
Runtai Chemical is a professional and reliable China manufacturer of Sodium cocoyl isethionate with higher purity and lower price for 15 years. If you are interested in our product, feel free to contact us for free samples!
