Sodium cocoyl isethionate
Sodium cocoyl isethionate is an anionic surfactant, the ester of coconut fatty acids with sodium isethionate, made by direct esterification at high temperature. It is the base of most syndet (non-soap) cleansing bars and is also used in shampoo bars, powders and creamy washes. Brands buy it as a high-active solid, typically about 85% active, in powder, flakes, needles or noodles.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Fine powder for cleansers and bars; dusty, so handling needs dust control.
Coarser, lower-dust forms for bar making and hot processing.
SCI combined with stearic acid or other surfactants as ready bar or paste bases.
SCI pre-dispersed with co-surfactants for easier cold use in washes.
Coconut or certified palm kernel-based grades, some approved for COSMOS.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store SCI sealed in a cool, dry place; it absorbs moisture and can cake. The ester bond hydrolyzes slowly in water at high or low pH, so finished products are formulated near neutral. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of active matter and free fatty acid for older stock.
Physical form and free fatty acid differ by lot and supplier, so record form, active and free fatty acid for each lot. Use dust controls when handling powder, and rotate FIFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists sodium cocoyl isethionate as an approved ingredient with non-medicinal purposes of surfactant and cleansing surfactant, for topical use.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Navi Mumbai, India
Indian producer of surfactants and specialty care ingredients, including sulfates, mild amino-acid and glucoside surfactants, emollient esters and UV filters for personal and home care.
Manufacturer · Englewood, CO
US specialty chemicals company whose personal care unit makes surfactants, emollient esters and silicones for shampoos, cleansers and skin care, alongside fuel and industrial chemistries.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include powder (about 85% active), needles, noodles and flakes, pre-blended syndet bases, liquid or paste dispersions and rSPO and natural-standard grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect active matter, free fatty acid, sodium isethionate, pH, particle size and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store SCI sealed in a cool, dry place; it absorbs moisture and can cake. The ester bond hydrolyzes slowly in water at high or low pH, so finished products are formulated near neutral. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of active matter and free fatty acid for older stock.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists sodium cocoyl isethionate as an approved ingredient with non-medicinal purposes of surfactant and cleansing surfactant, for topical use.
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