How to Use AccessMILD CS95 in Your Formulations
Understanding AccessMILD CS95
Think of a surfactant as the engine of your cleanser—it’s the ingredient that lifts away dirt and oil. For years, sulfates (like SLS) were the standard, but they can be harsh and strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier. AccessMILD CS95 is a modern, gentle alternative. It’s an anionic surfactant, meaning it has a negative charge that makes it excellent at cleansing, but it belongs to a class of ingredients known for being incredibly mild.
Derived from the fatty acids in coconut oil, AccessMILD CS95 (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) is famous for the unique type of foam it creates. Instead of big, flashy bubbles that disappear quickly, it produces a dense, rich, and remarkably stable lather that feels creamy and luxurious. This not only makes your product feel more premium but also helps reduce irritation, leaving skin and hair feeling soft and conditioned after rinsing.
Formulation Tips
AccessMILD CS95 is a versatile surfactant that can be used as the primary cleansing agent or as a co-surfactant to boost foam and mildness. For a primary role in products like shampoo bars, use a higher concentration, typically between 15–30%. As a secondary surfactant to improve the feel of another cleansing system, use a lower range of 3–10%.
One of the most important things to know when working with AccessMILD CS95 is that it requires heat to dissolve properly. It will not dissolve in cold water. First, disperse the powder into your water phase while stirring to prevent clumping. Then, gently heat the mixture to around 75°C (167°F) and continue stirring until the solution is clear and all particles have dissolved. This can take some time, so be patient!
This surfactant works best in formulas with a final pH between 4.5 and 6.5, which is the ideal range for skin and hair health. It is compatible with most other types of surfactants (non-ionic, amphoteric) and conditioning agents.
Key Formulation Benefits:
- Luxurious Creamy Lather: Produces a dense, stable, and cream-like foam that provides a premium sensory experience, unlike the large, airy bubbles of harsher sulfates.
- Exceptionally Mild & Gentle: Ideal for sensitive skin, baby products, and facial cleansers—cleanses effectively without stripping the skin’s protective barrier.
- Sulfate-Free & Plant-Derived: Derived from coconut oil and fully biodegradable, meeting clean beauty and eco-friendly expectations.
- Excellent for Solid Bars: Powder form makes it the go-to primary surfactant for high-performing solid shampoo and cleansing bars.
- Soft, Moisturized After-Feel: Leaves skin and hair feeling soft and conditioned, not tight or squeaky.
- High Performance in Hard Water: Works effectively in hard water conditions for consistent lather without residue.