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Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

INCI Name: Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

Ingredient Type: Amino acid-based surfactant

Source: Derived from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid

Benefits: Gentle cleansing, mild lather, skin-friendly foam, sulfate-free cleansing, hair and scalp cleansing support

Best Uses: Sulfate-free shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, hand soap, gentle cleansing formulas, sensitive skin cleansers

Overview

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a mild, amino acid-based cleansing ingredient used in gentle shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and other sulfate-free formulas. It is made from coconut-derived fatty acids and glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally found in the body. In skincare and haircare, it helps lift away oil, buildup, sweat, and daily impurities while creating a soft, creamy lather that feels much gentler than harsher cleansing agents.

Because Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is known for its mild skin feel, it is especially useful in formulas designed for dry, delicate, sensitive, or easily stripped skin and scalp. It gives cleansing products a clean-rinsing finish without the tight, squeaky, over-cleansed feeling that many people associate with stronger detergents.

What the Science Says

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review reviewed amino acid alkyl amides, including Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, and concluded they are safe in current cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating.[1]
  • A clinical patch test study of 105 patients found Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate to be among the most tolerated mild surfactants studied, with no irritation observed from the eight studied surfactants.[2]
  • PubChem identifies Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate by CAS number 68187-32-6 and lists it as an ingredient included in the Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment for amino acid alkyl amides.[3]
  • EWG Skin Deep lists Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate with low concerns for cancer, allergies, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and irritation, while noting that it should be used with appropriate formulation standards.[4]

Key Components / Chemistry

  • Coconut fatty acids: Provide the oil-loving portion of the molecule, helping loosen and lift away oil, buildup, and impurities.
  • Glutamic acid: An amino acid component that contributes to the ingredient's mild, skin-friendly cleansing profile.
  • Sodium salt form: Helps the ingredient disperse in water-based formulas and function effectively as a cleansing surfactant.
  • Anionic surfactant structure: Creates cleansing action and soft lather while remaining milder than many traditional sulfate cleansers.

Skin Benefits

  • Gently removes sweat, oil, and daily buildup from skin
  • Creates a soft, creamy lather without relying on sulfates
  • Helps cleanse without leaving skin feeling tight or stripped
  • Supports mild facial, body, and hand cleansing formulas
  • Useful for products designed for dry, delicate, or sensitive-feeling skin

Hair & Scalp Benefits

  • Helps cleanse the scalp without a harsh, squeaky-clean feel
  • Removes excess oil, styling residue, and buildup from hair
  • Creates a gentle lather in sulfate-free shampoo formulas
  • Supports a softer after-feel compared with stronger cleansing agents
  • Works well in formulas designed for frequent washing or sensitive-feeling scalps

Why Natural Escapes Body Uses It

We use Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate because it gives our cleansing products a gentle, sulfate-free cleansing base while still helping them feel effective and enjoyable to use. It supports a soft lather, rinses cleanly, and helps remove buildup without the harshness many customers try to avoid in shampoo, body wash, and facial cleansing products.

For Natural Escapes Body, this ingredient fits beautifully with our plant-based, cruelty-free approach to skincare and haircare. It allows us to create cleansers that feel fresh and clean while still respecting the skin and scalp barrier.

Products Featuring This Ingredient

Safety Notes

  • Formulation: Like all cleansing agents, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate should be properly formulated to avoid excessive dryness or irritation.
  • Eyes: Cleansing products may sting if they get into the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
  • Patch Test: Recommended for first-time users or anyone with very reactive skin.
  • Sensitive Skin: Often selected for mild cleansing formulas, but individual sensitivities can still occur.

FAQs

What does Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate do in skincare and haircare?

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleansing ingredient that helps remove oil, sweat, buildup, and impurities from the skin, hair, and scalp. It also helps create a soft lather in sulfate-free formulas.

Is Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate sulfate-free?

Yes. Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is not a sulfate. It is an amino acid-based surfactant often used in sulfate-free shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.

Is Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate gentle?

Yes, it is generally considered a mild cleansing ingredient. A clinical patch test study found Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate to be among the most tolerated mild surfactants studied, and Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded amino acid alkyl amides are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating.

Is Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate good for sensitive skin?

It is often used in formulas made for gentle cleansing because it helps clean without the harsh feel of stronger detergents. However, people with very sensitive or reactive skin should still patch test any new product.

Is Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate natural?

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is typically described as plant-derived or naturally derived because it is made from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid. It is still a processed cosmetic ingredient, which means it is created through ingredient manufacturing rather than used straight from a plant.

Scientific References

  1. Safety Assessment of Amino Acid Alkyl Amides as Used in Cosmetics - International Journal of Toxicology
  2. Irritant and Sensitizing Potential of Eight Surfactants Commonly Used in Skin Cleansers - Dermatitis
  3. Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate - PubChem
  4. Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate - EWG Skin Deep 
  5. Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Cosmetic Ingredient Profile - SpecialChem