Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

AKA: SLMI, Mild Surfactant

Synthetic

Cleanser

Clean

OriginDerived from coconut or palm kernel oil fatty acids and isethionic acid as starting materials. Synthesized through esterification of lauric acid followed by sulfonation and sodium neutralization.

Dodecanoic acid, methyl-2-sulfoethyl ester, sodium salt (1:1)

CAS #

-

Form

Liquid

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

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

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.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Concentration Guide

Leave-on0.009%

Rinse-off0.64–10.1%

0%50%100%

CIR reported use · 2013 survey

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR