Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate or SCI is derived from coconut oil and fatty acids present in isethionic acid. Interestingly, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is also known as ‘baby foam’ since it has gentle cleansing properties, which makes it a popular ingredient in the skincare and haircare formulations. The foam bubbles that you see while taking a shower or washing your face come from SCI present in facial cleansers, body washes and shampoo. SCI is a unique surfactant that goes well with oil and water based formulations. It gives a rich, creamy lather and doesn’t strip the skin or hair of its natural oils.

Baby foam gained tremendous popularity in the skincare and haircare industry since it is compatible for skin, is non-comedogenic in nature and has a low irritancy profile. If you have dry or sensitive skin, products with Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate may be the right pick for you.

Benefits of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate for Skin and Hair

Generally, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is known for its cleansing properties. But you must know that it is much more than that. It is clinically tested and proven that SCI has an array of benefits including:

Effective Cleansing

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate has immense cleansing properties.It works on getting rid of the dirt, excess oil and impurities sitting on the skin without disturbing the natural skin barrier. The reason that it works well for sensitive or dry skin is that it isn’t as harsh as sulfates like SLS or SLES. This makes it ideal for daily use for sensitive, acne-prone or eczema-affected skin.

Retains Skin’s Moisture Balance

One of the biggest strengths of this magical ingredient is its ability to cleanse without compromising skin hydration. Its mild structure helps minimize the loss of moisture of the stratum corneum (the skin’s outermost layer), thus sealing in moisture.

SCI based cleansers have a pH level of 6-8 generally making it ideal to retain skin’s acid mantle and preserve skin’s protective barrier. If you struggle with dryness, dehydration or flakiness, products with SCI should be your top pick.

Forms Foam Without Sulfates

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate has the capability of producing rich foam without irritating or drying out your skin. This luxurious foam sensation enhances the cleansing experience, especially in waterless or low-water formulas like shampoo bars and cleansing balms. The amazing self-lathering ability of SCI means you need less product, making it efficient and economical while being gentle on your skin and hair.

Non-Comedogenic and Safe for Acne-Prone Skin

SCI is non-comedogenic in nature. It doesn’t clog pores making it ideal for acne-prone skin. It does not overdry the skin or disrupt the natural oil balance. In fact, it plays a crucial role in removing excess oil and impurities which generally acts as a trigger for clogged pores and acne.

Ideal for Sensitive and Baby Skin

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate has low irritation potential. It is thus commonly found in baby shampoos, tear-free face washes and intimate cleansers.It has been dermatologically tested and proven to be suitable for all age groups, including infants and elderly people with compromised skin barriers.

How Microplastics Interfere With SCI’s Effectiveness?

While Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate itself is free from microplastics, it can sometimes be formulated with microplastic-based additives like polyethylene beads or film-formers. These microplastics end up blocking its penetration into the skin and create an occlusive layer on the skin reducing SCI’s effectiveness. It further ends up disrupting skin balance by interfering with pH levels and barrier functions. Presence of microplastics in these formulations also contributes negatively to the environment by being a source of waterway pollution and marine toxicity.

La Pink comes with 100% microplastic-free formulations that ensure proper penetration of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate for effective results and reduced environmental footprint.

You can find Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate commonly in:

• Cleansing Bars that are solid, waterless and easy to travel with.
• Sulfate free foaming face washes and cleansers meant for daily use.
• Sulfate free cleansing base for shampoo powders and liquids
• Tear free baby care products

Ideally, you can use SCI based products once or twice a day depending on your skin type and routine. Just make sure to follow up with a hydrating gel or moisturizer if you have dry or sensitive skin.