Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: SCI, Mild Coconut Surfactant
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut oil through extraction of fatty acids and isethionic acid as starting materials. Synthesized by esterification and condensation reactions between coconut fatty acids and isethionate compounds.
Fatty acids, coco, 2-sulfoethyl esters, sodium salts
CAS #
61789-32-0, 58969-27-0
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Strengthens Barrier
Moisturizing
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Softens and detangles hair
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 89 and 550)
Not a Sensitizer
6 studies / 6 not sensitizing (CIR 89 and 550)
Eye Irritant in Testing
8 studies / 8 irritating / reactions minimal to moderate (CIR 89 and 550)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
15 studies / 11 irritating / 1 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 89 and 550)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2017
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR