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Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
SKU: CC-SBTE-SCI
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Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a chemical compound commonly used in personal care products, especially in cleansers and shampoos. It is derived from coconut oil and is known for its mild and gentle cleansing properties. Here's some information on its description, benefits, how to use it, and cautions:
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a white powder or granule that is water-soluble. It is often used as a surfactant, which means it helps to reduce the surface tension of liquids, allowing them to spread and mix more easily. This ingredient is mild and gentle on the skin and hair.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is a premium, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut that delivers a rich, creamy lather with exceptional mildness. Loved by formulators and DIY makers, SCI powder/needles/flakes create ultra-gentle syndet bars, shampoo bars, facial cleansers, body washes, and baby-friendly products that cleanse effectively without stripping moisture. Its low-irritation profile, smooth skin feel, and silky rinse make SCI a top choice for modern, pH-balanced cleansing across all skin and hair types.
Highly versatile, SCI performs beautifully in both soft and hard water, boosting foam density and creaminess while reducing squeakiness. It pairs perfectly with amphoteric and non-ionic co-surfactants (e.g., Cocamidopropyl Betaine) to enhance mildness, stability, and viscosity. Makers appreciate SCI for its compact bars, easy processing, and elegant, luxurious sensorials—ideal for travel-friendly and eco-conscious formats. In haircare, SCI helps maintain softness, slip, and shine; in skincare, it supports a comfortable cleanse with a conditioned after-feel.
Available in cosmetic grades with dependable quality, our Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is thoughtfully packed to protect freshness and flow. Whether you’re scaling a brand formula or crafting at home, SCI brings clean-label performance to next-gen cleansers consumers love.
SCI for sulfate-free cleansing, creamy foam, and everyday mildness, a gold-standard surfactant for high-performance bars and washes.
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Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is typically found in personal care products like facial cleansers, body washes, and shampoos. Follow the instructions provided on the specific product packaging for the recommended usage. In general, wet your skin or hair, apply the product containing Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, lather gently, and then rinse thoroughly with water.
Bars (syndet/shampoo): Use 40–80% SCI with co-surfactants (CAPB 5–15%), fatty alcohols/butters, and humectants; melt/press or hot-pour, then cure 24–48h.
Liquid/cream cleansers: Disperse 5–20% SCI; pre-wet with glycerin or warm water, then blend with CAPB/non-ionics; adjust pH 5.0–6.0.
Foam boost/conditioning: Add 0.2–1% polymers (e.g., HEC) and 1–5% oils/esters for slip.
Processing tips: Wear PPE; avoid inhaling powder. Heat gently (70–80°C) to reduce grit; homogenize for smooth texture.
Stability: Check viscosity/salt curves; add fragrance/color last.
Label “sulfate-free” and store airtight, cool, dry. Patch test final products; follow local cosmetic regs and GMP.
- Gentle Cleansing: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate effectively removes dirt, oils, and impurities from the skin and hair without causing dryness or irritation. It creates a rich and creamy lather, making it suitable for even sensitive skin types.
- Moisturizing: Unlike harsher cleansers, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate helps to retain the skin's natural moisture, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. It is also beneficial for maintaining the moisture balance of the hair and scalp.
- Compatibility: This ingredient is compatible with various other cosmetic ingredients, allowing it to be used in different formulations such as solid bars, liquid cleansers, and even foaming bath products.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is a sulfate-free, coconut-derived surfactant that delivers creamy, luxurious lather with ultra-mild cleansing. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing tightness after wash and leaving a silky, conditioned feel—ideal for shampoo bars, facial cleansers, body washes, and baby-friendly formulas. SCI performs well in hard/soft water, boosts foam density, and minimizes squeakiness for smooth rinse-off. It’s compatible with amphoteric/non-ionic co-surfactants (e.g., Cocamidopropyl Betaine) to enhance mildness and viscosity. Low odor, easy processing, and pH-balanced results make it a go-to for eco-conscious bar formats and premium liquid cleansers focused on gentle cleansing, soft feel, and clean-label performance.
- Avoid Eye Contact: As with any cleanser, avoid direct contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Allergic Reactions: While Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is considered safe for most people, it is possible to have an allergic reaction. If you experience any signs of irritation, redness, itching, or rash, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
- Keep out of Reach of Children: Like all cosmetic products, keep Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate-containing products out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
Remember to always read the ingredient list and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the specific product you are using. If you have any concerns or questions, it is best to consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Product Questions
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is a gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil. It’s commonly used in personal care products like shampoos, soaps, and facial cleansers because it creates a rich, creamy lather and cleanses the skin without stripping away natural oils.
SCI is known for being mild and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing the chances of dryness or irritation often caused by harsher surfactants.
SCI is frequently found in a variety of personal care products, including facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and baby products. Its mild nature and ability to produce a creamy lather make it ideal for products intended for everyday use.
Yes, SCI is safe for daily use. It is designed to be gentle enough for frequent cleansing without causing dryness or irritation, which is why it’s often included in products for sensitive skin and baby care.
While SCI itself isn’t a moisturizer, it cleanses the skin gently, helping to preserve its natural oils. This can prevent the dryness that sometimes comes with using stronger cleansing agents, making it a good option for maintaining skin hydration.
SCI is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, if you have specific allergies or skin conditions, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test or consult with a dermatologist before using a new product.
Traditional soap can be more alkaline, which may disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance, potentially causing dryness or irritation. SCI, on the other hand, is more pH-balanced and less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils, making it a gentler alternative.
SCI is derived from natural coconut oil, which is a renewable resource. Additionally, it’s biodegradable, meaning it breaks down more easily in the environment compared to some synthetic surfactants, making it a more eco-friendly choice.
Yes, SCI is often used in shampoos and conditioners because it provides a rich lather and gently cleanses the hair without causing dryness or irritation to the scalp. It's especially beneficial for those with sensitive scalps or dry hair.
Products containing SCI can be found online ( https://www.theyoungchemist.com/ ). Look for ingredient lists on products like facial cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to find ones that include Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.

