Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
CAS NUMBER: 68334-21-4 (liquid) and 68608-65-1 (liquid and powder)
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild amphoteric surfactant widely used in personal care and cosmetic products, especially those formulated for sensitive skin, baby care, or low-irritation needs.
🌿 What is Sodium Cocoamphoacetate?
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INCI Name: Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
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Origin: Derived from coconut fatty acids and amino acids
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Surfactant Type: Amphoteric, meaning it can act as either an acid or a base depending on pH
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Charge: Zwitterionic at neutral pH; can be cationic or anionic based on pH
💧 Physical Form
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy pale yellow liquid |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| pH (as supplied) | ~8.0 – 9.0 (mildly alkaline) |
| Odor | Mild to none |
🧴 Uses in Personal Care & Cosmetics
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is commonly found in:
| Product Type | Function / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Shampoos | Gentle cleansing, reduces irritation |
| Baby shampoos | Extremely mild, non-stinging to eyes |
| Facial cleansers | Mild surfactant for sensitive skin |
| Body washes | Boosts foam and mildness |
| Micellar waters | Low-foaming, gentle cleansing |
| Foaming hand soaps | Enhances foam, reduces harshness |
| Bubble baths | Rich, stable foam |
⚙️ Functional Roles
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Mild Cleansing Agent
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Less stripping than traditional sulfates
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Helps preserve the skin’s natural lipid barrier
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Foam Stabilizer
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Boosts and stabilizes foam when used with other surfactants (especially anionics like SLES)
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Viscosity Modifier
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Can aid in thickening formulations, especially in sulfate-free systems
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Reduces Irritation
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Acts as a “secondary surfactant” to mitigate the harshness of primary cleansers like SLS/SLES
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Conditioning Effect
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Leaves hair and skin feeling smooth without buildup
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✅ Key Benefits
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Ultra-gentle – ideal for sensitive or baby skin
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Biodegradable
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Compatible with all surfactant types (anionic, nonionic, cationic)
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Non-comedogenic – doesn’t clog pores
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Non-stripping – suitable for dry or mature skin
⚠️ Safety and Regulatory Status
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Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for cosmetic use
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EWG rating: Low hazard (typically 1–2)
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EU Cosmetics Regulation and US FDA allow its use without restriction at normal use concentrations
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Used typically at 2–10% in final formulations

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