Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

AKA: SLMI, Mild Surfactant
Synthetic
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Clean
Dodecanoic acid, methyl-2-sulfoethyl ester, sodium salt (1:1)
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic surfactant developed in the late 20th century as an ultra-mild cleanser. Engineered for sensitive skin formulations, combining properties of traditional coconut-derived cleansers with modern mild surfactant chemistry.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Potential Sensitizer
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR