Is sodium coco sulfate an ingredient you want to see on the back of your product’s label?

We know ingredient lists and labels can sometimes be tough to decipher. So we’ve dedicated this column to shedding a little light on certain ingredients listed on our self-care products. In our mission to promote a healthy skin, lifestyle & world, we believe that the first step is advocating for educated, conscious consumption — to practice self-love by knowing exactly what you’re putting in your body AND on your body.

Always remember when looking at an ingredient list:

1. The main ingredient is first, and then it goes down the list
2. If it sounds like a science experiment, it’s probably not good for you
3. As a general rule, the fewer ingredients the better
   
   

Sodium Coco Sulfate

Synonyms: monococoyl ester sodium salt sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid, monococo alkyl esters, sodium salt

I stumbled across this ingredient on a shampoo bottle. It was second in the ingredient list, from a brand boasting to be natural. I was puzzled – sodium coco sulfate sounded all too familiar to sodium lauryl sulfate, a commonly known offender to avoid. It got me questioning, did the “coco” substitute for “lauryl” make this product any more better for me?

What is it?

Sodium coco sulfate (SCS) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are synthetic detergents, meaning they’re chemically altered to imitate a natural product that cleans – like soap. Both are used for their strong cleansing power and high foaming action, and you’ll find these ingredients in any product that foams (e.g. shampoos, body washes or toothpastes).

What’s the difference?

As it turns out, SCS contains SLS – the difference lies in the science. The process to make SLS involves a chemical reaction that isolates one fatty acid from either petroleum jelly, coconut oil or palm oil; whereas SCS is derived from a blend of fatty acids from coconut oil. While we all know & love coconut oil, its science lab derivatives aren’t completely natural ingredients. SLS is mixed in the blend of fatty acids (that make up SCS), with amounts decided at the manufacturers’ discretion.

How does it affect us?

Due to the high cleansing performance, natural oils are stripped from the skin. This is why SLS is notorious for irritating the skin and can worsen skin conditions – especially for those who are hypersensitive. As SCS contains SLS, it could be seen to have all the same concerns. But with limited research on SCS, its effects remain unknown and it’s hard to say if it’s as irritating as SLS. According to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, SLS is more concerning to skin, eyes, lung irritation and organ toxicity.

The verdict

We know it’s a synthetic ingredient that’s used in self-care cleaning products, working similarly to (and even containing) sodium lauryl sulfate. However, its use as a substitute to SLS may still cause skin irritations – so for those with skin hypersensitivities, you should err on the side of caution. If this concerns you, opt for brands that contain zero sulfates in the ingredients list. Unfortunately, not all natural products can have unparalleled performance with 100% natural ingredients. But hopefully with more consumer awareness & demand, the increase in interest will lead to more research, which will help us find better alternatives.

More info about ingredients used in cosmetics can be found here — plus, find products containing certain ingredients!

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