What is sodium cocoyl isethionate?
Sodium cocoyl isethionate, also known as disodium lauryl 3-ethoxysulfosuccinate, is used as a surfactant or co-surfactant (for cleansing properties and lather) in products such as shampoos, shampoo bars, body washes, facial care, and hand soaps. It's created by combining sodium isethionate with fatty acids extracted from coconut oil. (source)
Is SCI natural?
SCI cannot be considered natural. It is not known to naturally occur in plants, minerals, or animals. While one part of its synthesis does come from coconut oil, the other half is derived from sodium bisulfate and ethylene oxide. (source) Sodium bisulfite is an irritant and mutagenic compound. (Source) Ethylene oxide is a well-known carcinogen. (source)
Is SCI toxic?
The finished and purified product, has not been found to be genotoxic, a reproductive toxin, or a known carcinogen. However, it is created with carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds, as noted above. Because it is an ethoxylated chemical (made with ethylene oxide), SCI has the potential to contain traces of ethylene oxide and its carcinogenic by-product 1,4-dioxane. It's the same risk PEGs pose.
Is SCI vegan?
SCI is derived from coconut oil and synthetic chemicals; no animal derivatives used and can thus be called vegan.
Is SCI eco-friendly?
SCI is manufactured with ethylene oxide, a carcinogen that can end up in waterways. SCI is also apparently highly toxic to waterways and creates long-term effects in aquatic environments. (source)
Is sodium cocoyl isethionate a skin irritant?
While tolerated better than sodium lauryl sulfate, SCI is a potential skin and eye irritant. (Source)
Bottom line:
While touted as a "safer" or "natural" ingredient, sodium cocoyl isethionate is made with carcinogenic compounds, poses the risk of carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane contamination, is a potential skin and eye irritant, and is toxic to aquatic life. Not quite so natural after all.
