Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate - The Gentle Coconut-based Surfactant for Mild Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is a mild surfactant derived from the fatty acid of coconuts. It is widely used in personal care and cosmetic products, especially in formulations that require gentle cleansing and rich lathering properties. SCI belongs to the family of anionic surfactants, which means that it carries a negative charge and is attracted to positively charged particles. This property makes it an effective cleanser, emulsifier, and foaming agent.
One of the unique features of SCI is that it is naturally derived from coconuts, a source that is considered eco-friendly, sustainable, and renewable. Coconut-based surfactants are preferred over synthetic ones because they are biodegradable and do not harm the environment. In addition, coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and other nutrients that have moisturizing and nourishing effects on the skin and hair.
SCI is an ideal ingredient for formulations that require a gentle, yet effective cleansing action. Its mildness is due to its large particle size and low irritation potential, which makes it suitable for use in products that are intended for sensitive skin, babies, and elderly individuals. SCI is also compatible with other surfactants, which means that it can be used in combination with other ingredients to enhance its functionality.
One of the most notable properties of SCI is its ability to produce rich lathering and foam, which is an essential attribute in many personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It imparts a luxurious and creamy texture, leaving the skin and hair feeling soft, smooth, and clean. Because it produces a stable foam, it is often used in formulations that require a long-lasting lather, such as shaving creams and bubble baths.
In terms of its chemistry, SCI is an anionic surfactant, which means that it contains a negatively charged hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. This arrangement allows it to attract oil and dirt from the skin and hair, solubilize them in water, and rinse them away. It also helps to emulsify oil-based ingredients, allowing them to mix with water and form a stable, homogeneous blend.
SCI is typically listed as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate in the ingredients list of cosmetic and personal care products. Its INCI name is derived from the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, which provides a standardized system for naming ingredients used in cosmetic formulations. The INCI name of an ingredient should be used on product labels to ensure consistency and avoid confusion.
Overall, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a versatile and effective surfactant that offers a multitude of benefits for personal care and cosmetic formulations. Its natural origin, mildness, and lathering properties make it a popular ingredient in many products, including facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and baby products. Its compatibility with other surfactants, oils, and active ingredients make it an essential component for formulators who seek to create high-quality, effective, and gentle products, that benefit the skin or hair.
Keywords: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Anionic Surfactant, Coconut-based Surfactant, Mild Cleanser, INCI Name.