Home / EncyclopediaProducts / Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Other

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate

Mild amphoteric surfactant based on coconut oil — monoacetate version of cocoamphoacetate, even gentler. Ideal for cleansers for the most sensitive skin and "tear-free" baby products. Naturally plant-derived.

Amphoteric surfactantSuper gentle cleansingCoconut originbaby-safe
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — amphoteric surfactant (imidazoline type): obtained by the reaction of coconut fatty acids with monochloroacetic acid. Monoacetate structure: one carboxymethyl substituent (as opposed to diacetate — two). Molecular weight ~400–450 Da. Clear liquid. Plant-derived (coconut oil). Well compatible with all types of surfactants. ECOCERT/COSMOS compliant. Safe for baby cosmetics (SCCS opinion). pH activity: 4–8. Less foaming than CAPB, but gentler.

The gentlest baby shampoos and bath foams, cleansers for atopic and reactive skin, cleansers for the eye area, rosacea-friendly cleansing.

Key Benefits

✦
Maximum gentleness — for the most sensitive skin
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — one of the gentlest available surfactants: by irritation index alongside Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate. Used in formulas for infants (0+) and for skin with a damaged barrier, where even 'mild surfactants' like Coco-Glucoside can be replaced with Sodium Cocoamphoacetate. Does not denature skin proteins at concentrations up to 10%.
◈
pH support and barrier compatibility
The amphoteric nature allows formulas with Sodium Cocoamphoacetate to maintain a pH close to the acidic pH of the skin (4.5–5.5) without buffering additives — the surfactant stabilizes the system. This is important for barrier-friendly cleansing: acidic pH supports the microbiome and ceramides. In comparison: regular soaps — pH 9–10 (destroy the barrier), SLS — pH ~7–8, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — pH ~5–6.
✧
Synergy with other surfactants — improving the profile of mixtures
Even a small amount of Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (2–5%) significantly softens more aggressive surfactants in mixtures. Often added to SLES or Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate as a "mildness booster". Also improves the conditioning effect of the system: adsorbs onto skin and hair at acidic pH, leaving a softened surface after rinsing.

Suitable for

Atopic and reactive skinBaby productsRosacea and dermatitis

Main Actions

✓ Super gentle amphoteric cleansing✓ Support for acidic pH✓ Mildness booster in mixtures
Mono vs Di — acetate vs diacetate

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (mono): one -CH2COO⁻, simpler molecule, gentler, less foamy. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (di): two -CH2COO⁻, slightly "stronger", better foam. In practice: functionally similar, interchangeable in many formulas. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is more commonly found on the market. Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — more premium, often in 'ultra gentle' and medical cleansers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sodium Cocoamphoacetate do for skin?
The gentlest baby shampoos and bath foams, cleansers for atopic and reactive skin, cleansers for the eye area, rosacea-friendly cleansing.
Who should use Sodium Cocoamphoacetate?
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is suitable for: Atopic and reactive skin, Baby products, Rosacea and dermatitis.
Are there any warnings about Sodium Cocoamphoacetate?
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (mono): one -CH2COO⁻, simpler molecule, gentler, less foamy. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (di): two -CH2COO⁻, slightly "stronger", better foam. In practice: functionally similar, interchangeable in many formulas. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is more commonly

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product