Ingredient glossary

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

INCI: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate · Also: SCI

Solid and proven

A genuinely useful ingredient with real evidence behind it, not hype.

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What it does

  • cleansing
  • mildness

moderate evidenceIndustry and dermatology sources describe sodium cocoyl isethionate as significantly less irritating than SLS and suitable for syndet cleansers in atopic and sensitive skin though formal TEWL data are limited compared with SLS models.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • oily
  • combo
  • normal
  • sensitive

Approach with care

  • very dry
  • Clogs poresLow
  • Irritation riskLow

Plays well with

  • amphoteric surfactants
  • nonionic surfactants

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Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.