Sodium Isethionate
AKA “Isethionic acid sodium salt, Sodium 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonic acid sodium salt, Sodium hydroxyethylsulfonate, Ethanesulfonic acid, monosodium salt, Sodium 2-hydroxyethylsulfonate, Sodium beta-hydroxyethanesulfonate
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Sodium isethionate
AKA: Isethionic acid sodium salt, Sodium 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonic acid sodium salt, Sodium hydroxyethylsulfonate, Ethanesulfonic acid, Monosodium salt, Sodium 2-hydroxyethylsulfonate, Sodium beta-hydroxyethanesulfonate
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle cleanser that removes dirt and oil while helping hair stay smooth and frizz-free. It also conditions skin and hair, leaving them soft and manageable.
Formula
C2H5NaO4S
Mol. Weight
148.12
CAS #
1562-00-1
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Antistatic
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant developed in the mid-20th century as a mild cleansing agent. Created as an alternative to harsher sulfates, particularly for use in gentle facial cleansers and baby products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Potential Sensitizer
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR