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Sodium Cocoamphoacetate

Mild amphoteric surfactant based on coconut oil — monoacetate version of cocoamphoacetate, even gentler. Ideal for cleansers for the most sensitive skin and "tear-free" baby products. Naturally plant-derived.

Amphoteric surfactantSuper gentle cleansingCoconut originbaby-safe

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — amphoteric surfactant (imidazoline type): obtained by the reaction of coconut fatty acids with monochloroacetic acid. Monoacetate structure: one carboxymethyl substituent (as opposed to diacetate — two). Molecular weight ~400–450 Da. Clear liquid. Plant-derived (coconut oil). Well compatible with all types of surfactants. ECOCERT/COSMOS compliant. Safe for baby cosmetics (SCCS opinion). pH activity: 4–8. Less foaming than CAPB, but gentler.

The gentlest baby shampoos and bath foams, cleansers for atopic and reactive skin, cleansers for the eye area, rosacea-friendly cleansing.

Key Benefits

✦

Maximum gentleness — for the most sensitive skin

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — one of the gentlest available surfactants: by irritation index alongside Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate. Used in formulas for infants (0+) and for skin with a damaged barrier, where even 'mild surfactants' like Coco-Glucoside can be replaced with Sodium Cocoamphoacetate. Does not denature skin proteins at concentrations up to 10%.

◈

pH support and barrier compatibility

The amphoteric nature allows formulas with Sodium Cocoamphoacetate to maintain a pH close to the acidic pH of the skin (4.5–5.5) without buffering additives — the surfactant stabilizes the system. This is important for barrier-friendly cleansing: acidic pH supports the microbiome and ceramides. In comparison: regular soaps — pH 9–10 (destroy the barrier), SLS — pH ~7–8, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — pH ~5–6.

✧

Synergy with other surfactants — improving the profile of mixtures

Even a small amount of Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (2–5%) significantly softens more aggressive surfactants in mixtures. Often added to SLES or Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate as a "mildness booster". Also improves the conditioning effect of the system: adsorbs onto skin and hair at acidic pH, leaving a softened surface after rinsing.

Suitable for

Atopic and reactive skinBaby productsRosacea and dermatitis

Main Actions

✓ Super gentle amphoteric cleansing✓ Support for acidic pH✓ Mildness booster in mixtures

Mono vs Di — acetate vs diacetate

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (mono): one -CH2COO⁻, simpler molecule, gentler, less foamy. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (di): two -CH2COO⁻, slightly "stronger", better foam. In practice: functionally similar, interchangeable in many formulas. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is more commonly found on the market. Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — more premium, often in 'ultra gentle' and medical cleansers.

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