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Answer: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Bar, Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Cleanser.
TL;DR: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE. Also called SCI. CAS 61789-32-0.
Other names: SCI, Baby Foam, Iselux
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionatewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate for a very similar profile; sodium lauroyl sarcosinate for a slightly firmer feel.
Generally yes. SCI has a much milder irritation profile than SLS, produces a conditioning lather, and is recommended for eczema-prone and dry skin.
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.
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