Sodium cocoyl isothionate

CAS Number:

61789-32-0 / 58969-27-0

Chemical Formula:

C18H35NaO3S (represents common fatty acid chain)

EINECS/ELINCS No:

263-052-5

COSING REF No:

79383

Description:

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a mild,naturally-derived anionic surfactant, commonly known as "Baby Foam" for its exceptional gentleness. It creates a rich, creamy foam and is a cornerstone ingredient in sulfate-free personal care formulations.

Uses:

It serves as a gentle primary cleansing and foaming agent in a wide range of products, especially those formulated for sensitive skin or as sulfate-free alternatives.

· Skin & Body Care: Ideal for facial cleansers, body washes, and bar soaps. It cleanses effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture, making it suitable for sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin.

· Hair Care: A key ingredient in sulfate-free shampoos (liquid and solid bars). It provides a rich, creamy lather that cleanses the scalp and hair thoroughly without causing dryness.

· Product Form: Most commonly supplied as a fine white powder, granules, or flakes.

Origin:

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a semi-synthetic ingredient. It is manufactured by reacting the fatty acids from coconut oil with sodium isethionate.

What does SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE in a formulation?

Its primary functions are:

  • Cleansing
  • Surfactant

Additional Key Benefits:

· Moisturizing: Leaves skin and hair feeling soft and hydrated, not tight.

· Foam Quality: Produces a stable, rich, and velvety lather.

· Hard Water Stability: Performs well in both hard and soft water.

· Biodegradable: Derived from coconut oil, it is readily biodegradable.

Safety Profile:

· General Assessment: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics.

· Safety Guidelines: Deemed safe at concentrations up to 50% in rinse-off products and up to 17% in leave-on products.

· Skin Compatibility: Considered non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and is very well-tolerated, making it suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

· Important Note: Like other surfactants, it may cause ocular irritation.

Technical Profile:

Below are its key technical characteristics:

PropertyValues
Melting Point191-194°C
Ph6.0-8.0
SolubilitySoluble in water

 

Summary:

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that is a gold standard for sulfate-free, mild cleansing. Its key strengths are its rich, creamy foam, moisturizing after-feel, and excellent safety profile for sensitive skin. It is highly versatile in both liquid and solid product formulations.