What is Sodium Methyl Cococyl Taurate? is it Skin-Safe?

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  • What Is Sodium Methyl Cococyl Taurate?
  • What Does It Do?
  • How Is Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Made?
  • What Products Is It Commonly Found In?
  • Is It Safe For The Skin?

What Is Sodium Methyl Cococyl Taurate?

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut. It is white and has a paste-like consistency. It is found in many skin and hair care products like cleansers and shampoos (rinse-off products), including baby products. However, it is also used in leave-on products like foundations and face powders and other products like mouthwashes and breath fresheners (1).

According to Dr. Sandra El Hajj, Founder & President of The American Preventive Health Organization, “Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate or SMCT is the best alternative to harsh silicones and is safe for use due to its minimal side effects.”

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, MD, says, “ Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is mild, less potent, and does not alter the skin pH. As a result, it is suitable for people with sensitive skin.” This ingredient has numerous benefits. Let’s take a look.

What Does It Do?

There are two ways to prepare sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. Find out in the next section.

How Is Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Made?

Method 1
  • SMCT is prepared by dissolving N-methyl taurine (a coconut fatty acid amide) in a blend of sodium hydrate, isopropyl alcohol, and water.
  • A mixture of lauric acid, sodium chloride, and sodium hydrate is added to the solution.
  • A solution of calcium chloride and hydrochloric acid is added to the blend.

The mixture is then refined, strained, and dried, forming a whitish powdery substance. It can also be found as a solution mixed with water and sodium chloride (1).

Method 2

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is added to almost all skin care and hair care products. Here are some of the products you can find this mild surfactant in.

What Products Is It Commonly Found In?

Although sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is mostly considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions.

Is It Safe For The Skin?

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate may cause (1):

  • Redness and skin rash (erythema)
  • Eye irritation

Hence, always do a patch test before using products with sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.

Conclusion

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is a mild alternative to harsh surfactants like sulfates and silicones. It is gentle on the skin and cleans it without drying. It also may help maintain the barrier function that protects the skin from external factors. If you want to avoid sulfates, you can go for this mild surfactant. However, do a patch test to avoid the risk of allergic reactions.

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