SODIUM ISETHIONATE
SODIUM ISETHIONATE is the sodium salt of isethionic acid, a defined chemical substance. It is not a botanical extract, an oil, or a fragrance blend; on an ingredient list, the name identifies this specific compound, also called sodium 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate.
SODIUM ISETHIONATE: what it is
SODIUM ISETHIONATE is the sodium salt of isethionic acid, a defined chemical substance. It is not a botanical extract, an oil, or a fragrance blend; on an ingredient list, the name identifies this specific compound, also called sodium 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate.
The word “sodium” identifies the salt form of isethionic acid. That distinction matters when comparing label names: this ingredient is not the free acid, and it should not be confused with materials containing “isethionate” in their names that also contain other chemical groups.
SODIUM ISETHIONATE: what it does in cosmetics
In cleansing products, SODIUM ISETHIONATE can help remove oil, residue, and dirt that can be carried away with water during rinsing. The cleansing experience still comes from the finished formula and how it is used; the name alone does not show how strong that effect will be in a cleanser, shampoo, or another product.
It may also be used in skin and hair products for conditioning and antistatic purposes. In this setting, conditioning refers to supporting a more pleasant feel or appearance after use, while an antistatic effect relates to reducing the static that can leave hair flyaway. Those classifications do not show that the compound by itself treats dryness, damage, or any skin or scalp condition.
SODIUM ISETHIONATE: conditions and care
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessment concluded safety in the evaluated practices and concentrations of use when the product is formulated to be non-irritating. This condition does not set one concentration for every product or replace the finished product's directions.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
