surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Generally safe·Strong evidence
A coconut-derived mild surfactant best known as the main cleansing agent in syndet ("soap-free") bars and gentle body washes. It has a good tolerability record and is often chosen specifically for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Questions
- Is sodium cocoyl isethionate safe in skincare?
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate is graded as safe in published reviews and is a gentler surfactant than many alternatives. It is derived from coconut oil and is common in bar cleansers and sensitive-skin formulas.
- What is sodium cocoyl isethionate?
- This ingredient is a surfactant (cleanser) made from coconut fatty acids. It creates lather while being milder to skin and hair than harsher sulfates.
- Does it dry out skin?
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate is considered one of the milder surfactants and published data does not support a strong drying effect at typical cleansing concentrations. Dryness risk is lower than with sulfate-based cleansers.
Products with Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
- 100CetaphilGentle Skin Cleanser
- 100NeutrogenaUltra Gentle Daily Cleanser
- 100First Aid BeautyFace Cleanser
- 100Beauty of JoseonGreen Plum Refreshing Cleanser
- 100CeraVeHydrating Cleanser Bar
- 100VanicreamCleansing Bar
- 100IsntreeHyaluronic Acid Low-pH Cleansing Foam
- 100TONYMOLYI'm Rice Active Enzyme Exfoliating Cleanser
- 100AttitudeSuper Leaves Shampoo Blueberry Leaves
- 99First Aid BeautyUltra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Face Cleanser
- 99FarmacyGreen Clean Gentle Creamy Cleanser (Fragrance-Free)
- 99Honest CompanyAdvanced Therapy Body Wash
- 99CurologyGentle Cleanser
- 98Comfort ZoneSkin Regimen Cleansing Cream
- 98AttitudeSensitive Skin Body Wash
- 97KaneboSuisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash N
- 97AnuaRice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
- 97HersClear Waters Facial Cleanser
- 96NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser
- 96Tiege HanleyWASH
- 96DermalogicaDaily Microfoliant
- 96BlumeDaydreamer Creamy Hydrating Cleanser
- 96HimsHigh Tide Hydrating Daily Cleanser
- 95BiossanceSqualane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser
- 95CremoSensitive Shave Cream
- 94VanicreamGentle Body Wash
- 93CeraVeHydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
- 93DoveBeauty Bar Sensitive Skin
- 93HiBARMoisturize Shampoo
- 92Malin and GoetzGrapefruit Face Cleanser
- 92HonestShampoo + Body Wash, Fragrance Free
- 92EthiqueClarifying Shampoo Bar
- 90CelimaxDerma Nature Relief Madecica pH Balancing Foam Cleansing
- 89CeraVeHydrating Body Wash
- 89The Honest CompanySensitive Shampoo + Body Wash
- 87First Aid BeautyKP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA
- 87ACUREUltra Hydrating Green Juice Cleanser
- 87Luxe OrganixPremium Keratin Argan Shampoo
- 86BevelMen's Face Wash
- 85CremoCooling Shave Cream
- 84CremoOriginal Shave Cream
- 84UriageHyseac Cleansing Gel
- 84Head & ShouldersBare Pure Clean Shampoo
- 84CremoCoconut Mango Shave Cream
- 84CremoVanilla Orchid Moisturizing Shave Cream
- 83AmorepacificTreatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder
- 83CremoSandalwood Shave Cream
- 83CremoCooling Mint Shave Cream
- 82Kirkland SignatureMoisture Shampoo
- 80Johnson's BabyJohnson's Baby Shampoo
- 80BriogeoDon't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
- 79OGXNourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo
- 79KorresGreek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser
- 78NativeNative Body Wash, Coconut & Vanilla
- 78NativeNative Moisturizing Shampoo, Coconut & Vanilla
- 78Herbal EssencesBio:Renew Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
- 78NativeCoconut & Vanilla
- 78NativeCoconut & Vanilla Body Wash
- 78NativeBody Wash Coconut & Vanilla
- 76WalgreensAcne Foaming Wash
- 75OGXOGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
- 74OSEAUndaria Algae Body Wash
- 74CaudalieVinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser
- 73Maui MoistureHeal & Hydrate Shea Butter Shampoo
- 72RespireNatural Solide Facial Cleanser
- 70SuperzeroSolid Shampoo Bar for Dry, Damaged Hair & Light Frizz
- 70ApivitaKeratin Repair Nourish & Repair Shampoo
- 67PureologyHydrate Shampoo
- 66As I AmJamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.