SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate)

Unlock a new level of luxurious cleansing with Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI), the “Baby Foam” of surfactants. Derived from coconut oil, SCI is a mild, high-foaming anionic surfactant perfect for creating gentle, sulfate-free personal care products. It provides a rich, creamy lather and leaves a soft, silky feel on the skin, making it a favorite for formulators and DIY enthusiasts.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Ultra-Gentle Cleansing: Known for its exceptional mildness, SCI cleanses effectively without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It’s an ideal choice for sensitive skin, baby care products, and daily use.
• Rich, Creamy Lather: Despite being a sulfate-free alternative, SCI produces a dense, stable foam that feels luxurious and enhances the sensory experience of any cleansing product.
• Coconut-Derived: Sourced from the fatty acids of coconut oil, SCI is a biodegradable and eco-friendly ingredient, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable formulations.
• Versatile & Easy to Formulate: Whether you’re creating solid shampoo bars, liquid body washes, or delicate facial cleansers, SCI’s versatility makes it a must-have ingredient. It performs well in both hard and soft water.
• Excellent Skin Feel: Unlike harsher surfactants that can leave the skin feeling tight and dry, SCI leaves behind a soft, moisturized, and conditioned after-feel.

Common Applications & Usage Rates:

SCI is used in a wide range of personal care products. The recommended usage rate depends on the type of product and desired performance.

• Solid Shampoo Bars & Cleansing Bars: A staple for solid formulations, SCI provides the structure, cleansing power, and lather needed for a long-lasting bar.
  • Usage Rate: 20% – 60%
• Liquid Shampoos, Body Washes & Shower Gels: Creates a rich, pearlescent formula with excellent foaming properties. Note that SCI is not highly water-soluble; therefore, it’s best to pre-mix it with another liquid co-surfactant and heat to dissolve.
  • Usage Rate: 3% – 15%
• Facial Cleansers & Scrubs: Its mildness makes it perfect for facial products, ensuring a thorough cleanse without irritation.
  • Usage Rate: 5% – 20%
• Bath Bombs & Bubble Bars: Adds a stable, long-lasting foam to bath products.
  • Usage Rate: Up to 20%

How to Use:

To incorporate SCI into your formulation, it is typically melted with other surfactants and ingredients in a double boiler. For solid bars, the melted mixture can then be poured into a mold. For liquid formulations, it is crucial to fully dissolve the SCI by heating it with a liquid co-surfactant (like Cocamidopropyl Betaine) to a temperature of approximately 70°C (158°F) before combining with the rest of the water phase.

• Recommended Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container.