Do you know the ingredients in your shampoo?

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the most common substances used to ensure cleansing power in shampoos. We will explore the role of sulphates and their more natural alternatives, comparing their characteristics, benefits and possible effects.

Join us to discover how these ingredients influence the effectiveness and experience of your solid shampoo.

For many years, sulfates have been widely used in the cosmetics industry , especially in shampoos, due to their ability to generate abundant foam and effectively remove grease and dirt from the hair. These ingredients became a standard due to their high performance and low cost, consolidating themselves as a predominant option in personal care products.

However, while these ingredients guarantee a deep clean, they have also been criticized for being too aggressive, stripping away natural oils from the scalp and hair.

This can cause dryness, irritation and even a rebound effect, where the scalp produces more oil to compensate for this imbalance. In case you're wondering, and you want to avoid sulfates in your shampoos, whether solid or not, among the most common are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate.

These concerns about sulfates have driven a trend toward gentler formulas and less irritating alternatives, leading to a debate about the safety and efficacy of sulfates in shampoos.

In response to this context, options such as Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) have emerged, two surfactants derived from coconut oil, which are presented as gentler alternatives that are respectful of the skin and the environment. Below, we explain their differences.

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI).

• Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS).

Also derived from coconut, Sodium Coco Sulfate is obtained by sulfating coconut fatty acids. It is a gentler alternative compared to the harsher sulfates commonly found in shampoos (such as SLS or SLES), and is known to be kinder to the scalp and hair. It produces a rich, rich lather, offering a deep clean, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more vigorous and visible clean.

Both Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) and Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) are widely used in the manufacture of solid shampoos as substitutes for the more aggressive conventional sulphates.

Now, the questions you might have are: What is the difference between SCS and SCI if both are synthetic surfactants derived from coconut oil, with a great detergent effect? ​​Which one is chosen by Massio for its solid shampoos ?

Our laboratory has been concerned for more than 10 years with selecting the best ingredients for the manufacture of our products. These years of experience in the manufacture of natural cosmetics and the knowledge we have of the market have allowed us to select Sodium Coco-Sulfate (SCS) as the surfactant in our shampoos. And our choice is based on the differences in the manufacturing process of each of these two ingredients.

Although many manufacturers promote SCI as a natural ingredient because it is derived from coconut oil, they do not mention that in the transformation of SCI Ethylene oxide , a petrochemical solvent, is used to make coconut oil. This process can leave residues of 1,4-dioxane in the final product, a compound classified as a possible carcinogen, which raises concerns serious doubts about the true naturalness of SCI.

The use of SCI is often justified by its moisturising properties and its good tolerance on all skin types. However, although SCI is classified as a mild surfactant, its concentration in solid shampoos can vary between 10% and 90% of the formula, which could increase the risk of skin irritation.

Furthermore, proponents of SCI often argue that the absence of the word "sulfate" in the INCI name indicates that the product is sulfate-free. However, both SCS and SCI are ingredients derived from fatty acids in coconut oil and contain a sulfate group (SO3-) that enhances their cleansing ability, so the difference in the SULFATE/ISETHIONATE name is due to the chemical nomenclature that identifies the bond of the sulfate group to fatty acid derivatives.

So we can only deduce that the use of SCI in many products is due, to a large extent, to the lack of technical knowledge of those who use it , coupled with its ease of obtaining and its low cost.

In contrast, SCI is mainly produced through a long process of chemical transformations , which involves ethylene oxide , a petrochemical solvent considered carcinogenic, which we have seen can leave residues of 1,4-dioxane , a compound prohibited in certified natural cosmetics.

This information suggests that Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) cannot be considered completely natural , and its safety for use on the human body remains uncertain . Furthermore, we have tested this ingredient in our shampoos and can confirm that it does not meet the quality standards we want to offer you. The foam it generates is very weak, difficult to distribute, more product is needed due to multiple applications, and it tends to weigh down the hair.

For these reasons, at Massio we prefer to be cautious, offer you the best and opt for ingredients that guarantee a genuine commitment to naturalness and safety. That is why we avoid the use of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate in our personal care products and opt for Sodium Coco-Sulfate.

Discover our range of solid shampoos , formulated to care for your hair and meet your needs , regardless of your hair type, you will find shampoos designed with care, thinking of the best for you, nature, and your hair.