Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) – Gentle Solid Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is a mild, anionic surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids. It produces a dense, creamy lather and cleanses without leaving skin or hair feeling stripped, making it a favorite for shampoo bars, facial cleansers, and syndet body bars.
| Surfactant Type | Anionic (very mild) |
|---|---|
| Format | Flakes, noodles, or powder (ideal for solid bars and paste cleansers) |
| Foaming Character | Medium–high, dense, and creamy with excellent stability |
| Skin & Hair Feel | Soft, conditioned after-feel; less squeaky/tight than harsher surfactants |
| pH & Solubility | Works well around pH ~5–7; disperses/melts into heated surfactant or aqueous phases |
| Typical Uses | Shampoo bars, syndet bars, cream cleansers, low-foam facial washes |
| Best Pairings | Coco Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Panthenol, Conditioning Esters |
| Why Choose SCI | Mildness, luxurious foam, compatibility with sensitive skin–leaning formulas |
SCI vs. Other Common Surfactants
| Surfactant | Mildness | Foam | Best Used In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) | High (very gentle) | Dense, creamy | Shampoo bars, face bars | Great after-feel; pairs well with betaines/glucosides |
| Coco Glucoside | High | Light–medium | Liquid cleansers | Non-ionic; boosts mildness, easy to thicken with gums |
| Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate | Moderate–High | High | Shampoos, body washes | Good foam and rinse; can be more clarifying |
| SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) | Low (harsher) | Very high | Industrial/legacy formulas | Strong cleanser; may feel stripping compared to SCI |
How to Formulate with SCI
- Solid bars: Combine SCI noodles/flakes with secondary surfactants (e.g., CAPB), humectants, and conditioners; press or pour into molds.
- Cream cleansers: Melt/disperse SCI into the heated phase; add thickeners (gums, fatty alcohols) for cushion.
- Mildness tips: Blend with amphoteric (CAPB) or non-ionic (glucosides), add panthenol/betaine for comfort.
- Processing: Avoid excessive heat and dust—use ventilation and PPE when handling powders.
Fun Facts About SCI
Fun Fact #1
SCI is nicknamed “baby foam” because it lathers luxuriously while staying exceptionally gentle.
Fun Fact #2
Its solid format makes low-water, travel-friendly bars easy—great for sustainability and less packaging.
Fun Fact #3
Formulators often pair SCI with betaine to further boost mildness and reduce irritation potential.
Final Thoughts
SCI delivers the sweet spot of creamy foam + gentle cleanse. If you’re building modern, skin-friendly cleansers—especially solid formats—Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a top-tier choice for comfort, performance, and user experience.
