Sodium Methyl Isethionate
A mild co-surfactant from the isethionate family. It supports gentle cleansing and stable foam. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sodium methyl isethionate (INCI: Sodium Methyl Isethionate) is a mild surfactant from the isethionate family. In a formula it acts as a co-surfactant: it helps cleanse and builds a stable, creamy foam in gels, syndets and cleansing bars. This is a functional component, not a skincare active. Its role is cleansing and foam quality. Among surfactants it stands out as one of the gentlest on skin, which is why it is chosen for formulas meant to cleanse without stripping. In topical use, and in rinse-off products at that, it has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding without trouble. Tolerance is good: low irritation and allergy potential and a mild harshness. Even a gentle surfactant can dry skin if overused, so very dry or sensitive skin should keep wash frequency in check.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Methyl Isethionate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Methyl Isethionate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Methyl Isethionate for?
Sodium Methyl Isethionate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Methyl Isethionate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A mild co-surfactant from the isethionate family.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Methyl Isethionate?
The INCI name is Sodium Methyl Isethionate.
See Sodium Methyl Isethionate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni 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.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Sodium Myristate, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sodium Oleate, Amyl Salicylate, Copper Gluconate, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
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