Sodium Isethionate

Caractéristiques

INCI: Sodium Isethionate
CAS: 1562-00-1
EC: 216-343-6
IUPAC: Sodium 2-Hydroxyethanesulphonate
Fonctions: antistatic, cleansing, hair conditioning, skin conditioning

Pour qui

Skin Type

▲ Sensitive ▲ Acne-Prone

Application Area

▲ Face ▲ Body ▲ Hair ▲ Scalp

Descriptif

Sodium Isethionate is a water-soluble cleansing ingredient used in many soaps, facial cleansers, body washes, and shampoo bars. It’s a salt derived from isethionic acid and is often chosen because it helps formulas create a rich, creamy lather without the harsh feel some stronger cleansers can leave behind. In skincare, it mainly works as a surfactant, meaning it helps lift away oil, dirt, and product buildup so they can rinse off more easily.

For skin and hair, Sodium Isethionate is valued for making cleansers feel smoother and less stripping. People with normal to dry skin, or anyone who prefers a gentler cleansing experience, may especially appreciate it. In hair care, it can help shampoos cleanse effectively while keeping the wash feel soft and manageable. It’s commonly found in syndet bars and sulfate-free formulas.

Caveat: while it’s generally considered milder than traditional soap-based cleansers, any cleansing ingredient can feel drying or irritating if the formula is too strong, used too often, or paired with other potentially irritating ingredients. If your skin is very reactive, it’s still worth checking the full ingredient list and patch testing new products.