null

Is Sodium Coceth Sulfate Safe?

What is sodium coceth sulfate? 

Sodium coceth sulfate (SCES) is a surfactant/detergent similar to sodium laureth sulfate. it uses the full spectrum of coconut fatty acids as an input instead of isolated lauric acid (as is used in sodium laureth sulfate).  Thus the finished product is a blend of chemicals including sodium laureth sulfate, sodium myreth sulfate, sodium oleth sulfate, and so on. The blend is referred to simply as sodium coceth sulfate. 

What are its risks? 

  • SCES is created with the carcinogen ethylene oxide, traces of which and its carcinogenic by-product 1,4-dioxane can remain in the finished product. 
  • Generally milder, but a potential irritant. (Source)
  • SCES is a potential penetration enhancer, since it contains sodium laureth sulfate. (Source

Bottom line:

SCES is to sodium laureth sulfate as sodium coco sulfate is to sodium lauryl sulfate. SCES may be more gentle on skin than sodium laureth sulfate, but it poses the same contamination risks. Sodium SCES

13th Nov 2022

Recent Posts