Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a mild, sulphate-free surfactant commonly used in UK cleansers, shampoos and shower gels. It creates a rich, creamy lather while being gentle on the skin and eyes, making it a favourite in sensitive-skin and baby-care formulas. Shoppers looking for effective yet non-stripping cleansing often seek it out as a kinder alternative to harsher detergents.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetic formulations Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate acts as a primary surfactant that lowers surface tension, allowing oils, dirt and make-up to be easily rinsed away with water. It produces a luxurious, dense foam and is valued for its excellent rinsability, leaving skin and hair feeling clean without tightness or residue. Because it is less irritating than traditional sulphates it is frequently chosen for mild facial washes, body washes and hair-care products where gentleness is a priority.
Key benefits
- Creates rich, creamy lather
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Effective yet non-stripping cleanse
- Low eye irritation potential
- Excellent rinsability
- Suitable for baby and sensitive-skin products
Best for
sensitive skin, dry skin, normal skin, eczema-prone skin
Where it comes from
It is derived from coconut oil through a series of gentle chemical reactions that produce the isethionate structure from coconut fatty acids.
Products with Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.