Sodium Cocoate
Also known as: Coconut Acid, Surfactant, Emulsifier
Surfactant derived from coconut acid | Also acts as an emulsifying agent
At a glance
Things to be aware of
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Sodium Cocoate?
Sodium cocoate is a surfactant and emulsifying agent derived from the sodium salt of coconut acid. It is most commonly found in soaps, shampoos and other hygiene products.
On a scale of mild to harsh surfactants, research indicates that sodium cocoate is in the moderate risk range for skin sensitization (particularly when used as a main ingredient in bar soaps). When formulated at an alkaline pH, it is known to be drying for skin.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded sodium cocoate is safe for cosmetic use when used in product categories and concentrations comparable to those in their 2011 assessment. Their report examined 230 personal care formulations containing sodium cocoate in concentrations between 1-52%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Personal Care Products Council, Accessed September 2024, ePublication [URL: https://www.personalcarecouncil.org/]
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2011, pages 5S-16S [URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581811400636]
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Farmacia, 2010, page 58 [URL: http://www.scientificspectator.com/documents/personal%20care%20spectator/Influence%20of%20cleansing%20products.pdf]
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- SODIUM COCOATE
- EC Number
- 263-050-4
- Function
- Cleansing, Emulsifying, Surfactant
Related Ingredients
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Modified cellulose polymer | Film-forming and binding agent
Panthenol
The healing hydrator
Reducing Agent
A reducint agent, also known as a reductant, is a versatile
Sodium Caproyl Methyltaurate
Mild surfactant and cleansing agent | Not one of the more commonly used surfactants
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