Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate

Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate (SLI)

Mild Surfactant for High-Performance Personal Care Formulations

Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate (SLI) is a highly versatile, ultra-mild surfactant that can be widely combined with anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants. It provides excellent cleansing, conditioning, and anti-static effects while maintaining outstanding skin and mucosal compatibility. As a key ingredient in modern sulfate-free formulations, SLI is known for its ability to create rich, creamy lather similar to traditional soap bases—yet without the irritation typically associated with conventional surfactants.

Key Features & Benefits

• Exceptionally mild — non-irritating to skin and mucous membranes, suitable for sensitive-skin formulations and baby-care products.

• Compatible with multiple surfactant systems — enhances performance when blended with anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants.

• Creates rich, luxurious foam — produces dense, creamy lather with a silky texture, improving the overall sensory profile of final products.

• Excellent hard-water tolerance — stable, high-quality foaming even in mineral-rich water.

• Built-in pearlescent effect — naturally generates pearlescence without the need for additional pearling agents, simplifying formulation.

• Easy to rinse — minimizes residue and leaves skin soft without a greasy or slippery feel.

• Sulfate-free and biodegradable — aligns with clean-beauty market trends and eco-friendly product development.

Application in Skin-Care & Personal-Care Products

1. Facial Cleansers

When used in facial cleansing formulations, SLI forms a smooth, pearlescent cream texture with excellent spreadability.

• Produces uniform, fine foam that enhances the cleansing experience

• Viscosity is stable across temperature changes, making it easy to process during production

• Helps create dense, strip-like pearly creams for premium cleanser lines

2. Body Wash & Shower Gel

A small amount of SLI significantly improves foam quality and enhances rinsability.

• Enhances foam structure, density, and softness

• Improves wash-off performance, reducing sticky residue

• Provides a gentle cleansing experience suitable for daily use

3. Soap Bars & Syndet Bars

Widely used in mild cleansing bars, baby soaps, and premium syndet bars.

• Helps lower the overall pH of the product

• Enhances hard-water resistance, preventing soap scum

• Boosts foam richness and stability

• Reduces irritation compared with traditional soap-based products

Market Insights & Industry Use

Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate is increasingly adopted in sulfate-free, ultra-mild, and high-foam formulations, especially in:

• Premium facial cleansers

• Syndet and combo bars

• Sulfate-free shampoos

• Baby-care washes

• Mild body washes

• Men's grooming cleansing products

Its performance, mildness, and sensory advantages make it one of the most popular surfactants in modern personal-care innovation.