What is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate in skincare and haircare?

Yes—SCI contains no SLS/SLES and is widely chosen for low-irritation cleansers. Most skin types, including sensitive, tolerate it well in rinse-off formats. As always, patch-test if you’re highly reactive.

SCI creates fine-bubbled, creamy, persistent foam that feels cushiony rather than squeaky. It delivers that “luxury lather” experience even at low pH and in hard water better than true soap.

It offers a rare combo: mild cleanse + bar hardness + dense foam. Bars with SCI tend to resist mushiness, last longer, and rinse clean, leaving hair with better wet combability and less drag.

All are gentle. SCI: densest, creamiest foam and best bar structure. SLG/SCG: silkier slip and very low pH comfort, great as co-surfactants. Many formulas blend SCI + SLG/SCG for balanced lather and mildness.

Both are sulfate-free and mild. SCI excels in solid bars (hardness, dense foam). SMCT is superb in liquids and brings cushiony, persistent foam with excellent hard-water tolerance. Blending them can be fantastic.

Stearic acid, cetyl/cetearyl alcohol, starches, kaolin, and small amounts of butters (shea/cocoa) reinforce structure. Fine-tune to avoid waxy drag.

Yes—better than true soaps. For very hard water, add a chelating agent (e.g., sodium citrate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, sodium phytate) to maintain lively foam and reduce residue.

SCI is designed for gentle daily cleansing with a non-stripping feel compared to harsh anionics. Keep pH near 5–6, include humectants (trehalose/glycerin) and panthenol, and follow with conditioner for best results.

SCI itself doesn’t preserve products. Water-containing formulas need broad-spectrum preservation. Dry bars have low water activity once cured—store them dry between uses to prolong life.