Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
INCI name SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE. Also called SCI. CAS 61789-32-0.
Other names: SCI, Baby Foam, Iselux
Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Bar, Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Cleanser |
| CAS number | 61789-32-0 |
What is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate?
Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids and isethionic acid. It exists as a solid powder and produces a creamy, conditioning lather that leaves skin feeling soft. It is the primary surfactant in most syndet (synthetic detergent) bars.
Why is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate used in personal-care products?
SCI delivers gentle cleansing with a conditioning after-feel, making it ideal for dry, sensitive, and atopic skin. It is the key ingredient in non-soap cleansing bars and gentle shower gels.
Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate dangerous? Documented risks
Sodium cocoyl isethionate has an excellent safety record. It is one of the surfactants recommended by the National Eczema Association for sensitive and atopic skin. No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine-disrupting effects are known. Potential contact sensitization is extremely rare. It performs well at physiological pH, minimizing skin barrier disruption.
Products that may contain Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
How to avoid Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: safer alternatives
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate for a very similar profile; sodium lauroyl sarcosinate for a slightly firmer feel.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Is sodium cocoyl isethionate better than SLS for sensitive skin?
Generally yes. SCI has a much milder irritation profile than SLS, produces a conditioning lather, and is recommended for eczema-prone and dry skin.
Is SCI natural?
It is derived from coconut oil but requires chemical processing. It can be included in many natural-positioned formulas and is accepted by some organic certifiers.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related surfactant
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- CIR Safety Assessment of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate — Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- EWG Skin Deep: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.