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The facts: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. 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 and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | low |
| Where it shows up | Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Bar, Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Cleanser |
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 Isethionate with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Bar, Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Cleanser. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate for a very similar profile; sodium lauroyl sarcosinate for a slightly firmer feel. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate or other ingredients restricted overseas.
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Audited products that don't contain Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.
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