What is Sodium Isethionate?
Sodium isethionate is an organic salt compound with the chemical formula C₂H₅NaO₄S, a molecular weight of approximately 148.11, and a CAS number 1562-00-1. Sodium isethionate usually appears as white powder or colorless to pale yellow liquid, with a melting point ranging from 191 to 194° C. It is highly soluble in water and has weakly alkaline and hypoallergenic properties.
Its physical and chemical properties are good water solubility, with a density of approximately 1.625 g/cm³ (at 20°C), and it is sensitive to strong oxidants and strong acids. Sodium isethionate, as a multifunctional intermediate, is widely used in multiple fields.
What is sodium isethionate used for?
Surfactant production
Sodium isethionate is a raw material for the synthesis of surfactants such as sodium cocoyl hydroxyethyl sulfonate and sodium lauryl hydroxyethyl sulfonate, and is used in high-end soaps, shampoos (shampoo) and other daily chemical products.
In the field of daily chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Sodium isethionate is the core synthetic raw material for coconut oil-based sodium hydroxyethyl sulfonate (SCI) and lauryl sodium hydroxyethyl sulfonate. This type of derivative features low irritation, high foam stability and excellent resistance to hard water. It can replace traditional sulfate components (such as SLS/SLES) and is widely used in high-end soaps, body washes, facial cleansers and other products. Significantly reduce skin tightness after washing and lower the risk of scalp irritation.
Improve product performance . After addition, it can enhance the stability of the formula, reduce soap scum residue, and play an antistatic role in shampoo, improving the combing property of hair With its weakly alkaline, hypoallergenic and fully biodegradable properties, it has become the preferred ingredient in baby care products and special cleansing formulas for sensitive skin . It remains stable in neutral to weakly acidic environments, allowing formulators to freely add functional ingredients such as fragrances and antibacterial agents, expanding the product design space .
The detergent function has been enhanced. When compounded with traditional soap bases, it can effectively disperse calcium soap precipitates, enhance the cleaning effect of soap in hard water and the persistence of foam. It is used in products such as laundry powder and dishwashing liquid. By enhancing the decontamination ability and skin affinity, it meets the market demand for environmentally friendly detergents. It is used as a dispersant and stabilizer in cosmetics to improve the uniformity of texture and the smoothness of application of ointments and lotions.
Industrial applications
Electroplating industry: as an additive to optimize electroplating processes.
Detergent industry: Enhance the decontamination performance of woolen products and detergents.
Fine chemicals: Acting as dispersants or stabilizers in plastics, rubber, and coatings.
Sodium isethionate is a multifunctional organic salt, with its core role being the synthesis of surfactants and intermediates. It covers various industrial fields such as daily chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electroplating, and detergents. Due to its safe and mild characteristics, it has become an important component in high-end daily chemical products.
Post time: Jul-17-2025