Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) Granules: Gentle Foaming Surfactant for Personal Care Products.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) Granules, derived from coconut fatty acids, are a versatile and mild surfactant used widely in personal care formulations. Known for being gentle and sulfate-free, SCI Granules provide rich lather and effective cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It is a biodegradable, eco-friendly ingredient perfect for shampoo bars, bath bombs, body washes, and facial cleansers. With a high active surfactant matter of 85%, this granular form of SCI is easy to melt, making it ideal for creating solid cleansing products.
Key Features & Benefits
- Mild Cleansing Action: SCI is gentle enough for sensitive skin and baby products, offering a non-irritating, sulfate-free alternative to harsher surfactants.
- Rich Lather: SCI creates a luxurious, stable foam that enhances the sensory experience of cleansers, soaps, and shampoos.
- Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and derived from renewable coconut fatty acids, SCI meets the growing demand for sustainable ingredients.
- Hard Water Tolerant: Works efficiently in both hard and soft water, making it an excellent choice for diverse geographical regions.
- Convenient Granule Form: The granular form melts faster than other forms like needles or noodles, reducing processing time and handling risks.
Ingredients (Common Name): Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Ingredients (INCI Name): Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CAS No: 61789-32-0
Appearance:Off-white to pale yellow granules
pH Range: 5-7 (in a 5% solution)
Solubility: Partially soluble in water, works well with other surfactants
Country of Origin: China / India
Suggested Uses
- Shampoo Bars
- Bath Bombs & Bubble Bars
- Facial Cleansers
- Body Washes
- Shower Gels
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.
How to Use Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Granules in Formulations
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Melting Tips: Crush the SCI granules to increase melting efficiency. Heat SCI with a liquid surfactant like Cocamidopropyl Betaine to around 70°C (158°F) for optimal results. Always use a double boiler to prevent overheating.
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Blending: After melting, use a high-shear blender to mix SCI with other surfactants in your formulation. This helps prevent excessive foaming and ensures a smooth, even texture in the final product.
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Solid Cleansers: For solid cleansers like shampoo bars, melt SCI granules with other surfactants and emollients, then pour the mixture into molds once it is fully incorporated.
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Liquid Cleansers: In liquid cleansers, melt the SCI with your chosen surfactant blend and carefully add it into the water phase to avoid clumping or excessive foaming.
Formulation Tips
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For Solid Products (Shampoo Bars, Cleansing Bars):
- Crush the granules before melting for easier integration into formulations. Always melt SCI with a liquid surfactant, such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine, in a double boiler. Slowly heat the mixture to around 70°C (158°F).
- Use a high-shear blender for a smoother mixture. Pairing SCI with other surfactants like decyl glucoside or betaines can increase mildness and solubility.
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For Liquid Cleansers:
- SCI is not highly water-soluble, so it should first be mixed with a liquid surfactant before adding to the water phase. Pre-mix the SCI with the surfactant and slowly heat to create a smooth paste.
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General Tips:
- Avoid excessive foaming by gently stirring rather than rapidly mixing. Always wear a dust mask when working with powdered SCI to prevent irritation from airborne particles.
Storage Guidelines
Store SCI granules in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, away from moisture. Keep at room temperature to maintain its efficacy and prevent clumping.
Safety Guidelines
SCI granules are intended for external use only. Always wear a dust mask when handling SCI to avoid inhaling airborne particles. Keep out of reach of children and pets, and avoid contact with eyes
