Product Detail  

• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (SMCT),  61791-42-2

  1. General Information

  Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (SMCT), with the chemical formula C6​H14​NNaO3​S, is an amino - acid - based surfactant. It is derived from natural sources, which makes it an appealing ingredient in the personal care and cosmetic industries.

  2. Synthesis

  SMCT is synthesized by condensing fatty acids from coconut oil with N - methyl taurine. The reaction can be represented in a simplified way as follows:

  
  

  1. First, the fatty acids from coconut oil, which mainly consist of lauric acid (C11​H23​COOH) and other saturated fatty acids, react with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form fatty acid salts (soaps).
  2. Then, these fatty acid salts react with N - methyl taurine (CH3​NHCH2​CH2​SO3​H) through an amide - forming reaction. The general reaction equation for the formation of SMCT from lauric acid and N - methyl taurine can be written as:
     C11​H23​COONa+CH3​NHCH2​CH2​SO3​H→C11​H23​CON(CH3​)CH2​CH2​SO3​Na+H2​O

  3. Physical and Chemical Properties

  1. Appearance: At room temperature (25∘C), it typically appears as a white to off - white paste or thick liquid. When the temperature is above 40∘C, it becomes a pale yellow liquid.
  2. pH - stability: It shows excellent stability over a wide pH range, usually from pH 4 - 10. This property allows it to be used in various formulations without significant degradation or loss of functionality.
  3. Surface Activity: SMCT is a powerful surfactant, capable of reducing the surface tension between oil and water phases effectively. It has a critical micelle concentration (CMC) in the range of 0.05 - 0.1 g/L, which means that at relatively low concentrations, it can form micelles and solubilize oil - soluble substances in water.
  4. Biodegradability: One of its significant advantages is its high biodegradability. It can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment into simpler, non - harmful substances such as fatty acids, amino acids, and sulfates. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice compared to some synthetic surfactants.

  4. Applications in Personal Care Products

  1. Shampoos:
     • Gentle Cleansing: SMCT is widely used in shampoos, especially those formulated for sensitive scalps. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and product build - up from the hair and scalp without stripping away the natural oils, which helps to maintain the hair's moisture balance.
     • Rich Lather: It has the ability to produce a rich, creamy lather, enhancing the user experience during shampooing. The foam is stable and long - lasting, which is also beneficial for even distribution of the shampoo on the hair.
     • Sulfate - Free Alternative: As a sulfate - free surfactant, it provides a safer and milder option compared to traditional sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which can cause scalp irritation and dryness in some individuals.
  2. Facial Cleansers:
     • Skin - friendly: For facial cleansers, SMCT's gentle nature is highly valued. It cleanses the skin without causing irritation, redness, or disrupting the skin's natural barrier function. It can effectively remove impurities such as dirt, excess sebum, and makeup residues while keeping the skin feeling soft and smooth.
     • pH - Balanced: Due to its stability in a wide pH range, it can be formulated into facial cleansers with a pH close to the skin's natural pH (around 5.5), which helps to maintain the skin's acid mantle and overall health.
  3. Body Washes:
     • Moisturizing Effect: In body washes, SMCT not only cleanses the skin but also leaves a moisturizing effect. It can prevent the skin from feeling dry and tight after washing, making it suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
     • Eco - Friendly Option: Its biodegradability is an added advantage in body wash formulations, as body wash products are often washed down the drain and can potentially impact the environment. Using SMCT ensures that the product is more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
  4. Baby Care Products:
     • Hypoallergenic: The extremely low skin - irritation potential of SMCT makes it an ideal ingredient for baby care products such as baby shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths. Babies have delicate skin, and SMCT provides a gentle cleansing solution without the risk of causing allergic reactions or skin discomfort.
     • Mild and Nourishing: It offers a mild and nourishing cleansing experience for babies, helping to keep their skin clean and healthy.

  5. Safety and Toxicology

  1. Low Skin Irritation: Extensive studies have shown that Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate has a very low irritation potential on the skin. In skin - patch tests, it rarely causes redness, itching, or other signs of irritation, even in individuals with sensitive skin.
  2. Eye Safety: It is also considered safe for use in products that may come into contact with the eyes, such as shampoos and facial cleansers. When tested for eye irritation, it shows minimal to no irritation, which is crucial for personal care products.
  3. Non - Toxic: Toxicological studies indicate that SMCT is non - toxic. It does not pose a significant risk to human health when used in appropriate concentrations in personal care and cosmetic products. The LD50 (lethal dose, 50%) values in animal studies are relatively high, indicating its low toxicity.

  
  

  In conclusion, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a versatile, gentle, and environmentally friendly surfactant that has found widespread use in the personal care and cosmetic industries. Its unique combination of properties makes it an excellent choice for formulating high - quality, safe, and effective products for various applications.

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