What it is
Disodium cocoyl glutamate is an amino-acid surfactant made by combining fatty acids from coconut oil with the amino acid glutamic acid, then neutralizing to the disodium salt. It is valued for its mildness and is used as a gentle cleansing agent and emulsifier in face washes, makeup bases, and sunscreens. It produces a soft, low-stripping cleansing action and helps stabilize oil-in-water systems.
Safety & warnings
Amino-acid surfactants of the cocoyl glutamate family are recognized as among the milder anionic surfactants and are generally well tolerated, including on sensitive and dry skin. It is not a fragrance allergen and is not considered comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from coconut-sourced fatty acids and glutamic acid; the fatty portion is plant-derived while the process is synthetic.
Questions everyone asks
Is disodium cocoyl glutamate gentle?
Yes. It is an amino-acid-derived surfactant known for being mild, which is why it appears in cleansers and low-irritation formulas.
What does it do in a sunscreen base?
It can act as a mild emulsifier or cleansing co-surfactant, helping blend the oil and water phases of the formula.