Surfactant

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

The gentle surfactant in Baby Dove and Cetaphil — Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate cleanses as softly as water, forming a creamy foam without irritation. One of dermatologists' favorite surfactants for sensitive and baby skin.

Dermatological surfactantBaby DoveCreamy foamSensitive skin

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) — an anionic surfactant, sodium salt of the ester of coconut fatty acids and isethionic acid. One of the safest surfactants for the skin. It is the basis of solid cleansers (syndet bars) and gentle baby products. COSMOS approved. In INCI: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.

Primary or auxiliary surfactant in children's products (Baby Dove, Mustela), dermatological cleansers (Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay), and syndet soap bars.

Key Benefits

✦

Gentle cleansing without disrupting the microbiome

SCI does not damage the protective skin microbiome — clinical studies confirm minimal impact on the diversity of skin microorganisms after regular use.

◈

Creamy gentle foam

Forms a thick creamy foam with an especially soft feel on the skin — no "tightness" or dryness after rinsing.

✧

Alternative for those allergic to CAPB

Does not contain amidoamine and DMAPA — impurities that cause allergies to CAPB. An ideal replacement for people with a confirmed reaction to cocamidopropyl betaine.

Suitable for

Sensitive skinBaby skinAtopic skinAllergies to CAPB

Main Actions

✓ Gentle cleansing✓ Creamy foam✓ Microbiome protection✓ Dermatological tolerance

Syndet Bar vs Soap

Traditional soap (pH 9-10) disrupts the skin's acid mantle. Syndet bar based on SCI — pH 5-6, does not disrupt the mantle and barrier. If the packaging of the bar says 'syndet' or 'cleansing bar' — it is likely SCI or a similar mild surfactant.

CategorySurfactants

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