Mild surfactant from taurine and coconut fatty acids. Foams stably across a wide pH range, including hard water, gentle on skin.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Next-generation mild surfactant. Well tolerated.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (SMC Taurate) is a mild anionic surfactant from taurine and coconut fatty acids. Close to SCI in mildness but delivers a thinner, easier-to-rinse texture, which suits gels and foam cleansers. Mechanism. Produces stable foam across a wide pH range (5-9), retains activity in hard water. Acts gently on stratum-corneum proteins: TEWL after washing rises 10-15% (vs 30-50% with SLS). Where applied. Mild face wash gels, sulfate-free shampoos, atopic-skin cleansers. In Spain it is popular in CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, Klorane Mild shampoos, K-beauty foams at Sephora. Evidence base. Comparative tests against SLES and SCI (Mehling 2007, Bárány 2000) showed less barrier disruption and a profile suitable for sensitive skin. Recommended for seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, atopy. Safety. CIR confirmed safety as a rinse-off ingredient up to 30%. Non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic. No systemic absorption. Pregnancy and lactation – safe.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
Mild surfactant from taurine and coconut fatty acids.
The INCI name is Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate. It may also appear as: SMC Taurate.
Published: · updated: