Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE
Also known as: SCI, Baby Foam
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 61789-32-0
- Category
- surfactant
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- syndet bar, cleanser, shampoo
Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate safe in cosmetics?
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Safer alternatives include Decyl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate. Commonly found in syndet bar, cleanser, shampoo.
What is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate?
Baby of surfactants — extremely gentle. Key ingredient in Dove bars.
Allergy & Safety Information
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is considered safe for cosmetic use. No significant safety concerns have been identified at typical use concentrations. As with any cosmetic ingredient, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Surfactant / Cleansing Agent Ingredients
Surfactants reduce surface tension between water and oil, allowing products to cleanse, foam, and emulsify. They are essential in shampoos, cleansers, and body washes. However, surfactants vary widely in irritation potential — from harsh (sodium lauryl sulfate) to very mild (sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, decyl glucoside).
Relevance for Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: Repeated daily use of strong surfactants disrupts the skin barrier by removing natural lipids, increasing sensitivity to other allergens over time. If you have reactive or eczema-prone skin, choosing low-irritation surfactants and limiting wash time reduces barrier damage.
How to Identify Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Syndet bar, Cleanser, Shampoo. These product categories are the most common sources of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate safe for sensitive skin?
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin types.
What products contain Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate?
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is commonly found in syndet bar, cleanser, shampoo.
What does Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate do in cosmetics?
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate functions as a surfactant in formulations.
Related Guides
Sulfates in Skincare & Shampoo
Which surfactants damage the barrier and safer alternatives.
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
Download on App Store