Sodium Isethionate
Ingredient Info
Sodium Isethionate is a gentle cleanser and surfactant (washing agent) derived from coconut fatty acids. It removes dirt and oil while being significantly milder to skin than traditional soaps and many other cleansing agents.
Benefits
- Gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin
- Maintains skin's natural moisture barrier
- Effective in both soft and hard water
- Stable foaming action
- Well-tolerated by infants, elderly, and sensitive skin types
Potential concerns
- Can break down (hydrolyze) in very acidic (pH <5) or very alkaline (pH >8) formulations, though this is uncommon in skincare products
- May cause irritation in individuals with extreme skin sensitivity, though less likely than with other surfactants
Science: Multiple studies demonstrate sodium isethionate is significantly milder than soap and other anionic surfactants, with negligible impact on the skin's water-binding capacity in the outer layer. It is pH-stable in typical cosmetic formulations and has a long safety history in personal care products including baby care.
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