Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) Needles: Gentle Foaming Surfactant for Sulfate-Free Cleansers
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) Needles are a mild, sulfate-free surfactant derived from natural coconut fatty acids. Known for their rich, creamy lather and exceptional mildness, these fine white needles are a key ingredient in solid and liquid cleansing formulations. With approximately 85% active surfactant matter, SCI Needles deliver effective yet gentle cleansing suitable for all skin and hair types.
Perfect for shampoo bars, body washes, facial cleansers, and bath products, SCI Needles are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and compatible with a wide range of surfactants.
Key Features & Benefits
Mild & Gentle Surfactant: Provides effective cleansing without stripping natural oils, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Rich, Luxurious Lather: Produces dense, stable foam that enhances the sensory experience in shampoos and cleansers.
Sulfate-Free & Biodegradable: Derived from renewable coconut oil, offering an environmentally conscious alternative to harsher surfactants.
Versatile Formulation Use: Suitable for both solid and liquid formulations, including shampoo bars, shower gels, and facial cleansers.
Needle Form: The needle shape offers excellent foaming performance and is easy to weigh and handle for both lab-scale and production batches.
Hard Water Tolerance: Performs consistently in both hard and soft water environments.
Ingredients
Common Name: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
INCI Name: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CAS Number: 61789-32-0
Appearance & Properties
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Appearance: Fine white to off-white needles
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Odor: Mild, characteristic
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pH (5% solution): 5.0 – 7.0
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Active Matter: ~85%
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Solubility: Dispersible in water; fully blends with other surfactants
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Country of Origin: China / India
Suggested Uses
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Shampoo Bars
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Cleansing Bars & Syndet Bars
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Facial Cleansers
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Body Washes & Shower Gels
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Bubble Baths & Bath Bombs
Recommended Usage of SCI
Solid Cleansing Products (e.g., Shampoo Bars):
- Usage Rate: 20% - 60%. For solid cleansing products like shampoo bars, you can use a higher percentage of SCI, often up to 53% active surfactant matter, depending on the formulation’s requirements for mildness and foaming properties.
Liquid Cleansers (e.g., Shower Gels):
- Usage Rate: 3% - 15%. For liquid products such as shower gels and face washes, a lower percentage is more typical. You don’t need as much SCI in liquid formulas compared to solid ones because it dissolves slowly in water and is primarily added to enhance foaming.
Bath Bombs & Bubble Bars:
- Usage Rate: Up to 20%. In bath bombs and bubble bars, SCI can be added for rich foaming effects, typically 10% - 20%, depending on how dense you want the lather to be.
Note: These are general guidelines. Please adjust the usage rate according to the specific needs of your formulation and product performance.
ormulation Tips
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Combine SCI with amphoteric surfactants (like Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate) to improve solubility and mildness.
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Use humectants (e.g., glycerin, propanediol) to enhance skin feel in finished products.
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Always wear a dust mask when handling powdered or needle forms to avoid irritation from airborne particles.
Storage Guidelines
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat.
Keep tightly sealed to prevent clumping.
When stored properly, shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture.
Safety Guidelines
For external use only. Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes.
Wear protective gear during handling. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
