Sodium Methyl Isethionate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Propanesulfonic acid, Sodium salt (1:1), 869737-84-8, SURFONIC SMI, TAURANOL SCMI 85, SODIUM METHYL ISETHIONATE [INCI], PROPANESULFONIC ACID, MONOSODIUM SALT
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Propanesulfonic acid, 1(or 2)-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:1)
Effective at 5.05%
Formula
C3H7NaO4S
Mol. Weight
162.14
CAS #
869737-84-8
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Emulsifying, Anti
Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Fights Acne, Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant developed in the mid-20th century as a mild cleansing agent. Created to provide gentler alternatives to harsher sulfates in personal care products.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Potential Sensitizer
Concentration Guide
0.009%
10.1%
0%14%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.009-10.1
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR