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?
Taurates like sodium methyl cocoyl taurate are mild anionic surfactants. They are commonly used in sulfate-free shampoos to cleanse the scalp without drying as they have a chemically stable pH (2). Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate can enhance the penetration of other ingredients in the skin (1). Taurine surfactants may also exhibit antioxidant properties, regulate inflammatory responses, and enhance the skin barrier function (3). Since it is a non-drying cleanser, it can keep the skin soft and moisturized after use. It is also said to be safe and gentle for sensitive skin.
There are two ways to prepare sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. Find out in the next section.
How Is Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Made?
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).
In this method, coconut fatty acid amide – N-methyl taurine, sodium methyl taurate solution, and boric acid are heated at 200° C. It is then distilled in water and stirred at lower heat and pressure levels. The mixture is cooled down to form a wax-like substance that is powdered.
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?
Face washes Low pH anti-acne products Shampoos Body washes Face masks Toothpastes Liquid soaps
Bubble bath soaps Skin creams Skin lotions Baby care products Oral products
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. Is sodium methyl cocoyl taurate safe during pregnancy? There is not much information or research available about using sodium methyl cocoyl taurate when pregnant or breastfeeding. Even though sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is generally thought to be safe, it can induce adverse effects. To avoid these reactions, perform a patch test. Is sodium methyl cocoyl taurate the same as SLS? No. Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is a prominent substitute that is used by companies for SLS. It is a gentle, long-lasting surfactant with excellent foaming properties but no irritating properties.
