Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

Source premium Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (SLMI), a high-performance, mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut oil. Renowned for its rich, creamy lather and excellent skin compatibility, it is the ideal choice for sulfate-free personal care formulations. Perfect for sensitive skin cleansers, baby products, and luxury bar soaps. Competitive bulk pricing for global manufacturers. High-quality raw material. Get a quote today!

Product Specification

• Product Name: Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
• Appearance: White to off-white powder, flakes, or needles (depending on grade)
• CAS No.: 132766-46-0
• Molecular Formula: C₁₇H₃₃NaO₅S
• Specification:
  • Active Matter: ≥ 85% or ≥ 90% (depending on grade)
  • pH (10% solution): 5.5 – 7.5
  • Color (APHA): ≤ 50
  • Sodium Chloride: ≤ 1.0%
  • Sodium Methyl Isethionate: ≤ 1.5%
• Ingredient Information: INCI Name: Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate. A gentle anionic surfactant produced by the esterification of methyl isethionic acid with lauric acid (typically from coconut or palm kernel oil). It is widely recognized as a superior alternative to harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), offering excellent foaming properties even in hard water while maintaining a mild profile suitable for sensitive skin.

Product Uses

Product Description:
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (SLMI) stands out in the market for its exceptional balance between cleansing efficiency and mildness. Unlike traditional sulfates, SLMI produces a dense, luxurious, and stable foam that enhances the user experience without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Its low irritation potential makes it a cornerstone ingredient in the "clean beauty" and "sulfate-free" trends. Furthermore, it exhibits good stability in acidic conditions and hard water, ensuring consistent performance across various geographies and formulation types. Its biodegradability and derivation from renewable resources also align with sustainable manufacturing practices.

Applications:
SLMI is versatile and widely used in various personal care products, including:

• Syndet Bars & Beauty Bars: Primary surfactant for solid cleansing bars, providing hardness and rich lather.
• Facial Cleansers: Gentle foaming gels and creams for daily use, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
• Baby Care Products: Baby washes and shampoos where mildness and tear-free properties are critical.
• Body Washes & Shower Gels: Premium liquid cleansers requiring high foam volume and creaminess.
• Hand Soaps: Liquid hand soaps that need to be effective yet non-drying.

Formulation Suggestions:
Recommended Usage: Typically used at concentrations between 10% and 30% in the final formulation, depending on the desired foam level and viscosity.

Method of Addition:

• Solubility: SLMI has moderate solubility in water. It is often recommended to dissolve it in warm water (40-50°C) with agitation. For solid bars, it is mixed in powder form with other solid ingredients before melting or extrusion.
• Temperature: Avoid excessive heating (>80°C) for prolonged periods to prevent hydrolysis. Add during the main heating phase if necessary, but ensure rapid cooling after dissolution.

Compatibility & Synergy:

• Synergistic Surfactants: Combines excellently with Amphoteric surfactants (e.g., Cocamidopropyl Betaine) to boost foam stability and reduce irritation further. Also compatible with Non-ionic surfactants (e.g., Decyl Glucoside) for ultra-mild formulations.
• Thickening: Can be thickened with salts (NaCl) in some systems, but often requires polymeric thickeners (e.g., Acrylates Copolymer) or fatty alcohols for optimal viscosity in liquid systems.
• pH Stability: Stable in pH range 5.0 – 7.5. Avoid highly alkaline conditions which may lead to saponification or hydrolysis.
• Hard Water: Exhibits good tolerance to hard water, maintaining foam quality where other surfactants might fail.