Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

Good

Cleansing Agent

No known benefits

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate at a glance

  • Cleansing agent that is noted in research for its gentleness on skin
  • Praised for delivering a “dense, luxurious foam and elegant after-feel”
  • Can be naturally derived from coconuts
  • Deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate description

Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate is a cleansing agent that is noted in research for its gentleness on skin. It is known to play well with other ingredients, showing excellent formulary compatibility in body washes, facial cleansers, and shampoos. Suppliers of this surfactant praise its “dense, luxurious foam and elegant after-feel,” as well as its ability to easily rinse from skin. As a raw material, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate takes shape as white to off-white flakes/chips. It’s also supplied as a clear light-yellow liquid. Like many surfactants, it can be naturally derived from coconuts, with the final version considered plant-derived or synthetic depending on manufacturing practices. In 2017, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate safe as used in personal care products. Their report looked at products containing up to 10.1% concentration.

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate references

  • UL Prospector, Accessed November 2022, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2017, pages 5S-16S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018, pages 16-30

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.