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Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate

Mild amphoteric surfactant based on coconut oil — effectively cleanses and foams, while practically not irritating the skin and eyes. One of the most popular "gentle surfactants" in baby products, daily use shampoos, and products for sensitive skin.

Amphoteric surfactantGentle cleansingCoconut-basedno-tears

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate — amphoteric surfactant (betaine type): at pH 4–6 — cationic, at pH 7–9 — anionic. Obtained from coconut oil (fatty acids C8–C18) + aminoethanol + chloroacetic acid. Molecular weight ~450–500 Da. Clear viscous liquid. Well compatible with anionic (SLES, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and cationic surfactants. Reduces irritation of SLES in combined systems. ISO certification for "mild" surfactants. Used in baby shampoo 'no tears' formulas.

Baby shampoos and bath foams, gentle facial cleansers for sensitive skin, daily use shampoos, cleansing products for atopic dermatitis.

Key Benefits

✦

Gentle cleansing — no-tears formula without eye irritation

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is one of the few surfactants that pass clinical tests for eye irritation (Draize test) as "mild" or "non-irritating." That is why it is a standard component of baby shampoos 'no more tears': removes dirt and sebum but does not irritate mucous membranes upon contact. For eye contour cleansers — an indispensable choice.

◈

Reduction of irritation from stronger surfactants

Adding 2–5% Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate to SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) significantly reduces the overall irritation potential of the mixture. Mechanism: amphoteric surfactant competes with anionic for binding to skin proteins, reducing their denaturation. This allows for good foaming of SLES while achieving a "sensitive" profile. Standard combination in mass-market shampoos 'for sensitive skin'.

✧

Conditioning effect and feeling of softness

Due to the amphoteric nature of Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, it adsorbs to the negatively charged surface of skin and hair during rinsing, leaving a conditioning film. After washing with a product containing this surfactant: skin feels softer, less 'stripped' sensation. In shampoos: hair is less dull after washing compared to purely anionic systems.

Suitable for

Sensitive and atopic skinBaby productsDaily cleansing

Main Actions

✓ Gentle amphoteric cleansing✓ Reduction of irritation in surfactant mixtures✓ Conditioning effect

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate vs Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB): betaine surfactant, very similar in gentleness and functions. Difference: CAPB is more common, cheaper, very well studied. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is even milder by some tests, less allergenic (CAPB sometimes causes contact allergy due to residual amidoamine in production). For the most sensitive — Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is the better choice. In practice: often used together.

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