What it is
Sodium Cocomonoglyceride Sulfate is an anionic surfactant made by sulfating coconut-derived fatty acid monoglycerides and neutralizing with sodium. In formulas it acts as a cleansing and foaming agent and can also help emulsify and disperse the oil phase. In sunscreens it most often serves an emulsifying or wetting role, supporting an even, easily spread product.
Safety & warnings
As a relatively mild anionic surfactant, it is generally well tolerated, though like other sulfate-type surfactants it can contribute to dryness or mild irritation at high concentrations or with prolonged contact, particularly on already sensitive skin. At the levels used in leave-on sunscreens it is typically present only as a minor emulsifying aid.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from coconut. The fatty acid portion comes from coconut oil, which is converted to a monoglyceride, sulfated, and neutralized with sodium to form the surfactant.
Questions everyone asks
What is its main job in a formula?
It is an anionic surfactant that provides cleansing and foaming and can also help emulsify the oil and water phases.
What is it made from?
It is made from coconut-derived fatty acids, converted to a sulfated monoglyceride and neutralized with sodium.