Sodium Coco Sulfate Average Cleansing Agent No known benefits Sodium Coco Sulfate at a glance Cleansing agent commonly used in rinse-off products Referred to as a “milder” alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate Also assists in emulsification and foam creation Can potentially irritate skin due to its anionic nature Sodium Coco Sulfate description Sodium coco-sulfate (SCS) is an anionic surfactant commonly used in skin care and personal care items for its ability to cleanse skin, emulsify formulas and help create foam. Due to its cleansing abilities, it’s often included in rinse-off products like facial cleansers. Sodium coco-sulfate is a sodium salt version of sulfate esters combined with the fatty acids present in coconut oil. This is where it differs from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which only utilizes the lauric acid in coconut oil. This small difference renders sodium coco-sulfate much gentler than sodium lauryl sulfate, making it a common substitute in formulas whose goal is to avoid any potential skin irritation. However, if used in high concentration it can assist in the denaturing of vital substances on skin’s surface. Although SCS is a milder alternative to SLS, there are still more gentle cleansing agents on the market. Beyond skin care, sodium coco-sulfate is also found in hair and body care products that focus on cleansing, like body washes and shampoos. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed this cleansing agent and concluded it safe for formulation within cosmetics at concentrations ranging from 0.3% to 29%. This ingredient may be plant-derived (as explained above) or synthetic. Related ingredients: Sulfates Sodium Lauryl Sulfate