Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)

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INCI: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Surfactant 10/10 Safety CG ApprovedClean Semi-synthetic Vegan

What Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)?

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is an ultra-gentle anionic surfactant derived from coconut oil fatty acids and isethionic acid. It is often called the 'baby foam' surfactant because of its exceptional mildness. SCI produces a dense, creamy lather while being significantly less stripping than sulfates, making it one of the most popular sulfate-free cleansing agents.

Source: Coconut oil fatty acids combined with isethionic acid

Origin: Semi-synthetic

Also known as: SCI, Baby Foam, Cocoyl Isethionate

What Does Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) Do to Your Hair?

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate cleanses by emulsifying oils and dirt with a mild, low-irritation profile. It produces a rich, creamy foam that feels luxurious despite its gentleness. SCI has a unique ability to deposit a conditioning feel on the hair during rinsing, leaving hair softer than most other surfactants.

Best For

All hair types, curly hair (3A-4C), dry hair, color-treated hair, sensitive scalp, children's hair

Not Recommended For

Not known to be problematic for any hair type

Concentration Matters

3-15%

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight
Color-treated: Safe

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Approved
CG Approved

Safety & Regulation

10/10
AvoidCautionSafe

One of the mildest surfactants available. Non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Safe for daily use on all hair and skin types. Dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin and eczema-prone individuals.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA permits use in cosmetics. CIR panel considers safe at current use concentrations. Widely recommended by dermatologists.

EWG Score: 1/10

HairAide Verdict

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is HairAide's top recommended surfactant for sulfate-free cleansing. It is incredibly gentle yet effective, producing a satisfying lather without the stripping effects of SLS or SLES. If you are looking for the best sulfate-free shampoo ingredient, SCI is the gold standard.

Products That Contain Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)

Sulfate-free shampoos, gentle cleansers, co-washes, shampoo bars, baby shampoos

Alternatives to Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)

If you want to avoid Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI), look for products with these ingredients instead:

Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) safe for hair?

Yes, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) has a safety rating of 10/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. One of the mildest surfactants available. Non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Safe for daily use on all hair and skin types. Dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin and eczema-prone individuals.

Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) bad for curly hair?

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.

Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) CG-method approved?

Yes, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) is approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)?

Some alternatives to Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) include: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate

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