Sodium Isethionate: A Mild Surfactant for Personal Care Formulations

In the world of personal care, consumers are increasingly seeking products that are gentle, moisturizing, and environmentally friendly. One ingredient that meets all these expectations is Sodium Isethionate (CAS 1562-00-1) — also known as Isethionic Acid Sodium Salt or Sodium 2-Hydroxyethyl Sulfonate.

This mild surfactant is widely recognized for its creamy foam, smooth cleansing effect, and excellent skin compatibility, making it a key ingredient in modern shampoo bars, facial cleansers, and body washes.

As a professional Sodium Isethionate supplier, we aim to help formulators and manufacturers better understand this versatile material and use it effectively in high-quality personal care products.

I. What Is Sodium Isethionate?

Sodium Isethionate (CAS 1562-00-1) is a mild anionic surfactant derived from isethionic acid sodium salt. It comes in a white crystalline or granular form and dissolves easily in water. Its molecular structure combines cleansing power with skin-friendly characteristics, allowing it to remove impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural hydration.

Chemically, Sodium Isethionate is classified as sodium 2-hydroxyethyl sulfonate, offering a perfect balance between foam performance and low irritation — a rare combination that makes it ideal for use in sulfate-free and sensitive-skin formulations.

II. Key Properties and Advantages

Sodium Isethionate provides multiple performance benefits for both formulators and end users:

Gentle and non-irritating: Suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

Rich, creamy foam: Produces a soft and luxurious lather that consumers love.

Good water solubility: Easily disperses in aqueous formulations.

Enhanced skin feel: Leaves a smooth, moisturized touch after rinsing.

Excellent biodegradability: Supports sustainable and eco-friendly product lines.

Versatile compatibility: Works well with amphoteric and nonionic surfactants, fatty acids, and conditioning polymers.

III. Applications in Personal Care Formulations

As a specialized supplier of Sodium Isethionate, we’ve supported many global brands in developing mild and high-performance formulations. Below are the most common and effective application areas for Sodium Isethionate (Isethionic Acid Sodium Salt):

1. Syndet Bars (Synthetic Detergent Bars)

Sodium Isethionate is a core ingredient in syndet bars, which are a modern alternative to traditional soap bars.
Unlike soap, syndet bars made with Sodium Isethionate have a lower pH (around 5.5–6.5), making them much gentler on the skin.

Benefits in syndet bars:

• Creates a smooth, dense, and creamy lather that rinses off easily.
• Reduces irritation and dryness often caused by traditional soaps.
• Enhances bar hardness and stability, maintaining shape during use.
• Ideal for facial cleansing bars, dermatological soaps, and luxury bath bars.

In commercial formulations, Sodium Isethionate is often combined with fatty acids (such as stearic acid or lauric acid) and mild co-surfactants (like SCI or betaine) to achieve an optimal balance between foam richness and skin comfort.

2. Shampoos and Conditioning Cleansers

In shampoo formulations, Sodium Isethionate serves as a gentle primary or secondary surfactant. It effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the scalp’s natural barrier.

Applications include:

• Daily-use shampoos for normal to dry hair.
• Sulfate-free shampoos designed for color-treated hair.
• Children’s shampoos that require non-irritating cleansing.

Formulation advantages:

• Enhances foam quality and stability even in hard water.
• Provides a silky after-feel on the scalp and hair.
• Improves rinsability and leaves the hair soft, smooth, and manageable.

Works synergistically with conditioning agents like silicone emulsions, cationic polymers, or plant extracts for a balanced formula.

3. Facial Cleansers and Body Washes

Sodium Isethionate’s excellent skin mildness makes it ideal for facial cleansers and body washes. It helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier while effectively removing oil, makeup, and impurities.

Benefits for skincare applications:

• Produces a rich, cushiony foam that feels luxurious on the skin.
• Minimizes tightness and dryness after washing.
• Compatible with moisturizers, glycerin, and plant-based oils, improving the overall skincare effect.
• Ideal for daily facial cleansers, sensitive-skin body washes, and dermatologist-tested formulations.

When paired with other mild surfactants such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Sodium Isethionate offers a perfectly balanced cleansing experience — effective yet gentle.

4. Baby Care and Sensitive Skin Products

Because of its exceptionally low irritation, Sodium Isethionate (1562-00-1) is frequently used in baby care formulations.
It ensures gentle cleansing without harming delicate skin.

Typical uses include:

• Baby shampoos
• Baby bath washes
• Mild baby soaps

It’s often recommended as part of dermatologically safe and hypoallergenic formulations.

5. Men’s Grooming and Shaving Products

Sodium Isethionate’s creamy foam and lubricating effect make it useful in men’s facial cleansers, shaving foams, and shaving creams.
It enhances foam stability and glide, providing a smoother shaving experience with less irritation.

6. High-End Cosmetic and Dermatological Cleansers

In professional-grade formulations, Sodium Isethionate is used in cosmeceutical cleansers where low irritation and stable foam are essential.
It can also serve as a base surfactant in medicated washes or prescription skincare products that require mild yet effective cleansing.

IV. Why Choose Sodium Isethionate from Us

As an experienced Sodium Isethionate supplier, we provide:

• High-purity material (CAS 1562-00-1) suitable for both solid and liquid formulations.
• Stable supply and customized packaging for large and small manufacturers.
• Technical formulation support to help optimize foam performance and mildness.
• Competitive pricing for bulk orders while maintaining international quality standards.

We work closely with our partners to ensure each batch of Sodium Isethionate (Isethionic Acid Sodium Salt) meets exact formulation requirements and provides consistent results in production.

V. الختام

Sodium Isethionate (CAS 1562-00-1) — also known as Isethionic Acid Sodium Salt or Sodium 2-Hydroxyethyl Sulfonate — has redefined what it means to formulate a mild yet high-performing cleanser. Its balance of gentle cleansing, luxurious foam, and excellent compatibility makes it an essential ingredient in today’s personal care market.

If you’re developing new personal care formulations or looking for a trusted Sodium Isethionate supplier, our team is ready to provide technical guidance, samples, and reliable supply solutions to support your business success.