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SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE

Last update on May 8, 2026

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a naturally-derived ingredient that comes from the fatty acids that are present in isethionic acid and coconut oil. These fatty acids are reacted with sodium isethionate and the mixture is heated to remove any water left behind. Further, the mixture is distilled to remove excess fatty acids. In its raw form, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate appears as a fine white powder.

CAS Number: 61789-32-0 / 58969-27-0Chem/IUPAC Name: Fatty acids, coco, 2-sulfoethyl esters, sodium saltsEINECS/ELINCS No: 263-052-5COSING REF No: 79383

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What is SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE used for?

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is primarily a surfactant that is gentle on the surface and provides many benefits to skin and hair. It is thus commonly used in the cosmetic world.

  • Skin care: It differs from other surfactants in the way that it does not strip the skin of moisture, making it feel dehydrated. Instead, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate produces a rich foam that does not dry out or irritate the skin upon application
  • Hair care: It produces a rich creamy lather that makes the products easier to spread and feel good. It also cleanses the shafts thoroughly because of its ability to mix well with both oil and water
  • Cosmetic products: It reduces the surface tension of the ingredients in a formulation - allowing them to mix well. This prevents the separation of oil based and water based ingredients and results in an even consistency of the cosmetic products

Origin

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a naturally-derived ingredient that comes from the fatty acids that are present in isethionic acid and coconut oil. These fatty acids are reacted with sodium isethionate and the mixture is heated to remove any water left behind. Further, the mixture is distilled to remove excess fatty acids.

What does SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE do in a formulation?

CLEANSING|
SURFACTANT

Safety Profile

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is safe for use when added under the prescribed concentrations. This ingredient is recommended to be used up to the concentrations of 50% in rinse off products and up to 17% for leave on products. A patch test should be done prior to full usage and should be discontinued in case of any irritation. Further, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is non-comedogenic and does not cause acne breakouts. It is also biodegradable as it is derived from coconuts.

SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE alternatives

SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE technical profile

PropertyValues
Melting Point191-194°C
pH6.0-8.0
SolubilitySoluble in water