What it is
Sodium cocoyl glutamate belongs to the acyl glutamate family of amino-acid surfactants, formed by joining fatty acids from coconut oil to the amino acid glutamic acid and neutralizing with sodium. It produces a soft, fine lather and is valued in face washes and cleansing formulas for being gentler than traditional sulfate surfactants. In sunscreens and skincare it may also assist in dispersing or emulsifying oily components and contributes to a mild, low-irritation cleansing feel.
Safety & warnings
Acyl glutamate surfactants such as sodium cocoyl glutamate are generally well tolerated and are often chosen for sensitive-skin and gentle cleansing formulas because they are milder than sulfate-based surfactants. As a rinse-off-style surfactant used at modest levels, it is not considered notably comedogenic. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic. It is produced by combining fatty acids derived from coconut oil with glutamic acid, an amino acid, then neutralizing with sodium hydroxide.
Questions everyone asks
Is sodium cocoyl glutamate a sulfate?
No. It is an amino-acid-based surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid, and is often used as a gentler alternative to sulfate surfactants.
What does it do in a formula?
It acts as a mild cleansing and foaming surfactant and can help emulsify or disperse oily ingredients, contributing to a soft lather and low-irritation feel.