Ingredient dictionary

Sodium Isethionate

Also listed as: Sodium 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonate

Sodium Isethionate is the sodium salt of isethionic acid, a small, water-friendly molecule. It helps blend ingredients and is a building block for mild cleansing agents. It is on the label of 17 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Sodium Isethionate does

Helps other ingredients blend in water
Serves as a starting point for mild isethionate cleansers
Supports gentle, soap-free cleansing formulas

Sodium Isethionate is the sodium salt of isethionic acid. It is made by a standard industrial process that joins a sulfite salt with an ethylene-based compound. The result is a water-soluble solid.

Formulators use it mainly as a building block and helper ingredient. It is a starting point for mild isethionate cleansers, which are known for a gentle, soap-free feel. It also helps other ingredients blend smoothly in water-based formulas. Because it dissolves easily in water, it is simple to work with.

Good for

Most useful for shoppers looking at gentle cleansers, since it appears mostly in cleansing products.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium isethionate the same as sodium cocoyl isethionate?

No. Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a larger cleansing agent built on this kind of isethionate salt, with a fatty acid chain attached. It cleans, while sodium isethionate mainly helps blend and supports formulas.

Is sodium isethionate safe for sensitive skin?

It is generally well tolerated in cosmetic use, but any new product can irritate some people. Patch test a small area first. If you have a skin condition, check with a dermatologist before trying a new cleanser.