Description

What is Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate?

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate (INCI: Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate; CAS 90387-74-9) is a mild amino-acid anionic surfactant in the acyl glycinate family. It is formed by condensing glycine, the smallest amino acid and a key component of natural collagen, with coconut fatty acids (C12–C14) and neutralizing with sodium, and is supplied as a high-activity white powder (95%) or a ready-to-use liquid (30%). Often described as the universal “building block” for amino acid cleansers, it generates rich, creamy, elastic foam from weakly acidic to alkaline conditions while cleansing gently and rinsing freely. Highly biodegradable and compatible with soap-based systems, it removes sebum and impurities without leaving the skin tight or dry, making it a staple primary or co-surfactant in modern personal care.

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Key Benefits

• Universal cleanser building block: a proven, versatile base that can serve as the primary surfactant or complement soap-based formulations.
• Rich, creamy, elastic foam: builds dense, fine, long-lasting lather with good volume and a luxurious sensory profile across pH conditions.
• Exceptionally mild: very low irritation to skin and eyes; solvent-free and skin-compatible, it supports the barrier and leaves a clean, supple feel.
• Improves soap systems: blending with fatty-acid soaps lowers irritation and boosts foam stability and quality.
• Easy rinsing, hard-water tolerant: rinses off completely and keeps performing in hard water.
• Natural and biodegradable: derived from glycine and coconut fatty acids, environmentally friendly and suited to natural claims.
• Two convenient forms: powder (95%) for flexible, high-activity dosing and solid formats; liquid (30%) for simple, cold-processable production.

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Applications

• Facial care: liquid facial cleansers, cleansing creams and pastes, foaming washes, gel cleansers and pump foams — the classic amino-acid face-wash base.
• Body care: shower gels, body washes, foam baths, liquid and hand soaps and syndet bars.
• Hair care: mild shampoos, cream shampoos, co-washes and gentle scalp products.
• Shaving and men’s care: shaving creams and foams with smooth glide and cushiony lather.
• Baby, sensitive and oral care, plus other formats: infant washes, sensitive-skin products, toothpaste, wipes and solid cleansers.

Typical use level: approximately 5–30% in rinse-off products, with higher levels when used as the primary surfactant; the powder suits soap combinations and solid products, while the liquid is easiest to disperse.

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FAQ

Q1: Why is it called the universal building block? A1: Because it is mild, high-foaming and compatible with nearly every surfactant and soap system, it works as either a primary surfactant or a co-surfactant in almost any rinse-off format.

Q2: What is the difference from the potassium salt? A2: The sodium salt is the standard, cost-effective workhorse for cream and paste cleansers; the potassium salt offers somewhat higher solubility for fully transparent products.

Q3: Can it replace soap or SLES? A3: Yes — it can replace soap as a primary surfactant, or be blended with it to reduce irritation and improve foam, while avoiding the harshness of sulfate systems.