Sodium cocoyl isethionate

Description

Sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) is an anionic surfactant commonly used as a cleansing agent. It appears as a fine white powder derived from coconut oil. Being relatively mild on the skin, it helps mitigate damage to the skin barrier and is suitable for use in cleansing products for sensitive skin.

Chemical properties

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is the Sodium salt of the coconut fatty acid ester of Sisethionic acid which functions as a surfactant-cleansing agent (Nikitakis, 1988).
Sodium cocoyl isethionate is in the form of a fine white powder that consists of active ingredient plus minor impurities and has a mild odor (Estrin et al., 1982b). Sodium Cocoyl lsethionate i s stable at a pH of 6-8 and hydrolyzes outside of this pH range (Hunting, 1983).

The Uses of Sodium cocoyl isethionate

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. Commonly seen in body washes, face washes, and shampoos, it can lift dirt and oil from the skin very easily. It is well known that sodium cocoyl isethionate, which is made from coconut oil, is very gentle and light on the skin.

What are the applications of Application

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is used as a surfactant-cleansing agent in cosmetic formulations. It is slightly to practically nontoxic, with an oral LD50 of 24.33 g/kg for rats. Dermal application of 1.0-36.0% w/w aqueous Sodium Cocoyl lsethionate to rats for 28 days did not produce any significant toxic effects.

Preparation

Sodium Cocoyl lsethionate is preparedvia the following reaction: sodium isethion- ate is reactedwith either the fatty acid mixture from coconut oil (Hoffmann, 1990)or the corresponding chlorides to form Sodium Cocoyl lsethionate (Hunting, 1983). The sodium isethionate was first prepared by adding 1 mole of ethylene oxide to sodium bisulfite.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety

The Cosmetics Ingredient Review has deemed the ingredient safe for use in cosmetic products when formulated to be non irritating. Whole Foods has deemed the ingredient acceptable in its body care quality standards. Clinical research has shown that the ingredient is typically not a skin irritant or sensitizer.
sodium-cocoyl-isethionate