Surfactant

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate

A mild anionic surfactant based on coconut oil and glycine — a next-generation amino acid detergent. Cleans gently and effectively, maintaining the skin's acidic pH and not disrupting the microbiome. A standard for premium cleansers and pharmaceutical products.

amino acid surfactantglycinateacidic pHgentle cleansing

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate — N-cocoyl glycine, sodium salt. Glycine (the simplest amino acid) condensed with fatty acids from coconut oil (C8–C18). Molecular weight ~350–400 Da. Well soluble in water. Anionic surfactant, but significantly milder than SLS/SLES due to the amino acid tail. Effective at pH 5–6 → supports the skin's acid mantle (optimal pH 4.5–5.5). Lathers well at these pH values. Biobased and biodegradable. ECOCERT/COSMOS-compatible. Compared to other amino acid surfactants: glutamate (Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate) — gentler, less foaming; glycinate (SCG) — more foaming, better cleansing.

Premium facial cleansers and foaming washes, pharmaceutical products for sensitive and atopic skin, amino acid-based shampoos, daily cleansers for normal and oily skin.

Key Benefits

✦

Cleansing at acidic pH — supporting the microbiome

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is most effective at pH 5–6 — values corresponding to the natural acidic pH of healthy skin. Unlike soap (pH 9–10) and SLES formulas (pH 7+), SCG cleansers do not raise the skin's pH, preserving the acid mantle. Acidic skin pH: supports the growth of the protective microbiome (Staphylococcus epidermidis), suppresses pathogens, supports ceramide synthase activity. Regular cleansing with SCG = maintaining a healthy microbial balance.

◈

Gentleness of amino acid surfactants — less damage to the barrier

Amino acid surfactants (glycinate, glutamate, sarcosinate) denature skin proteins significantly less than sulfate analogs. Comparative softness studies: SCG causes ~3–5× less keratin denaturation compared to SLES at equal concentrations. Result: after washing, the skin does not feel tight, pH is restored in 15–30 minutes (vs 60–90 minutes after SLES). Ideal for daily cleansing without accumulating damage.

✧

Good foam and clean feel — no compromises

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate provides good creamy foam at pH 5–6 — behavior similar to SLES, but at acidic pH. This is an important advantage: most natural surfactants either foam poorly or only foam at neutral/alkaline pH. SCG allows for a 'premium feel' (foam + clean sensation) without raising pH. Popular in Japanese and Korean pharmacy cosmetics precisely because of this balance.

Suitable for

all skin typesatopic skindaily cleansing

Main Actions

✓ gentle amino acid cleansing at acidic pH✓ supporting the microbiome✓ creamy foam

SCG vs Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate — choosing glycinate or glutamate

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (SCGlu): glutamate base (C5, dicarboxylic amino acid) — gentler, less foaming, better for very sensitive skin. Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate (SCG): glycine base (C2, mono) — more foaming, better cleansing effect, but slightly less gentle. In practice: often combined together for a balance of cleansing/gentleness. For oily skin: SCG is better. For very sensitive: SCGlu or an equal combination.

CategorySurfactants

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

Analyze your product