SCI Solid Surfactant
"Not used it yet. Disappointed that the use by date was only a month from when I received it! So the product I make with it will have to be used up very quickly!"
Minimum Shelf life:
Comfortable cleanse, every time
Mild, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses without leaving skin tight.
Rich, creamy lather that feels luxurious and rinses clean.
Performs reliably in soft and hard water, so bars and washes foam beautifully in any area.
Kind to scalp and skin, suitable for everyday shampoo bars and gentle facial or body cleansers.
Concentrated active matter, so you need less to achieve great results.
Blends easily with amphoteric or non-ionic surfactants to build ultra-mild systems.
Vegan friendly and readily biodegradable for more planet-conscious formulations.
Low odour and consistent quality that make batching straightforward.
Formulator advantages
Works in solid bars and liquid syndet systems.
Creamy foam helps premiumise feel without heavy conditioners.
Near skin-friendly pH, which can reduce the need for adjustment in many formulas.
Good to know
Ingredient sourcing can vary. Palm-free status is not guaranteed.
Always check the full INCI list for potential allergens or sensitivities.
SCI Solid Surfactant is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and is an organic compound, making it gentle and eco-friendly for skin and hair care. Also known as sodium cocoyl isethionate, SCI is part of a family of surfactants loved for their cleansing and foaming abilities. It’s used in the formulation of various personal care products, bath bombs, water-free products like solid shampoos and soaps, and high-foaming cleansers. To add SCI to your formulation, simply mix with other ingredients as directed for your recipe. SCI attracts and removes dirt, leaving skin and hair clean and refreshed.
Has a minimum 82% active matter and a skin-friendly pH of ~6, so most formulas don’t need pH adjustment.
Because the powder is sparingly soluble, it’s great in solid shampoo bars, syndet soaps, foaming bath truffles and creamy facial cleansers without leaving residue.
In liquid shampoos, use a co-surfactant to prevent recrystallisation and maintain a clear appearance.
With its silky feel and gentle cleansing action, SCI keeps reactive skin calm while lifting away daily grime.
Always check the MSDS for SCI to ensure safe handling and proper precautions during formulation.
Skin Care
Hair Care
Other
When working with SCI Solid Surfactant wear a proper safety mask and do not breathe in the dust as this can irritate the mucous membranes.
INCI Name: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Origin: Renewable coconut fatty acids
Appearance: Fine white powder or small noodles
Solubility: Limited in water; dispersible in surfactant systems
Store in a sealed container, cool and dry, away from humidity. Expiration date is printed on every Aromantic ingredient; Up to 24 months shelf life, see latest shelf life above.
We source SCI directly from audited manufacturers for guaranteed purity and traceability.
Your order is hand-packed, batch-labelled, and shipped with global courier options so creators everywhere get fresh stock fast.
Our support team shares practical tips, not expert jargon, so you can create with confidence at home or in the lab.
Can I use SCI in baby products?
Yes, its mildness and creamy lather make it perfect for gentle wash bars.
Will SCI strip colour-treated hair?
No, it's low anionic charge cleans without aggressive degreasing.
Is it palm-free?
This grade is 100% coconut-based.
What if SCI gets in my eyes?
If SCI gets in your eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water. Avoid direct contact with your eyes to prevent irritation.
Click on the following link to be directed to some great recipes featuring SCI Solid Surfactant.
Suggested Blends
Works well when combined with Beta T.
Here is a link to all non-batch-specific documents for this product: Link to Technical Documents
If you have any questions about the documents or need the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a product that you have received, please request that here.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine – Amphoteric Co-Surfactant
BTMS-25 Conditioning Emulsifier
Organic Cocoa Butter – Deodorised
Plant-Derived Glycerine (Palm-Free)

Overall rating: 3.8333333 / 5 from 6 reviews.
Review topics: ["use","products"].
"Not used it yet. Disappointed that the use by date was only a month from when I received it! So the product I make with it will have to be used up very quickly!"
"Item as described, prompt delivery."
"My experience was very good will use again"
"My favourite!!!! Highly recommend it!"
"Happy with my product and with my formulation."
"It is in pieces instead of a powder making extremely difficult to use. I didn’t manage. I will have to grind it to be able to use it. I can’t give it a recommendation until I’ve ground it to see if it then works."