ORY® product lines:
☑ Skincare
☑ Haircare
◐ Handmade Soap (liquid soap, syndet and shampoo bars)
☑ Cosmetics — three-line functional ingredient
Sodium cocoamphoacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant of the imidazoline family — the class developed for “no more tears” baby shampoos. Carrying both positive and negative charges, it is exceptionally mild to skin and eyes, boosts foam, thickens, and, like cocamidopropyl betaine, reduces the irritation of anionic surfactants it is blended with [1]. It differs from CAPB in being even gentler on the eyes and free of the amidoamine impurities linked to CAPB allergy, which makes it ORY®‘s amphoteric of choice for baby, facial, and sensitive-scalp cleansers. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel has concluded cocoamphoacetates are safe as used [2]. It is fully compatible with cationic conditioners, so it also suits 2-in-1s and co-washes.
What is Sodium Cocoamphoacetate made of?
Sodium cocoamphoacetate is produced by reacting coconut fatty acids with aminoethylethanolamine to an imidazoline, then with sodium chloroacetate to open the ring and add the amphoteric acetate group. Points to know [2]:
- Amphoteric (zwitterionic) imidazoline derivative: Positive and negative charges; mild; compatible with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants.
- Coconut C12-dominant chain: Cleansing and foaming.
- Supplied as ~30–40% aqueous solution: Clear to pale yellow; pH ~8–9 as supplied; formulate at pH 5–7.
- Very low eye irritation: The “tear-free” surfactant class.
- Biodegradable; typical use 3–15% (as supplied).
What skin type is best suited for Sodium Cocoamphoacetate?
Sodium cocoamphoacetate is one of the gentlest surfactants for all seven ORY® skin types:
- Sensitive: Sodium cocoamphoacetate is among the milder cleansing surfactants; suitable for reactive and eczema-prone skin (patch test).
- Dry: Low-stripping cleansing preserves barrier lipids; pair with glycerin and oils.
- Normal: Everyday gentle cleansing.
- Combination: Balanced foaming cleansers.
- Oily: Effective cleansing without over-drying.
- Acne-prone: Gentle base for salicylic-acid or tea-tree cleansers.
- Mature: Non-stripping cleansing for thinning, drier skin.
What hair type is best suited for Sodium Cocoamphoacetate?
Sodium cocoamphoacetate is the tear-free, conditioner-compatible shampoo amphoteric:
- Sensitive scalp: Amphoacetate-based shampoos reduce scalp irritation compared with sulfates.
- Dry or damaged: Low-stripping cleansing preserves natural oils.
- Curly and coily: Sulfate-free and low-poo formulas.
- Color-treated or chemically processed: Gentle cleansing prolongs color.
- Dandruff-prone scalp: Mild base for antifungal or salicylic-acid shampoos.
- Oily scalp: Adequate cleansing; pair with a stronger co-surfactant for heavy oil.
- Straight, wavy, mature or thinning: Gentle daily-use shampoos.
What are the benefits of Sodium Cocoamphoacetate?
Sodium cocoamphoacetate’s benefits are documented in surfactant and safety science [1–3]:
- Extremely mild to skin and eyes: Tear-free class [2].
- Irritation reduction: Lowers harshness of anionic co-surfactants [1].
- Foam boosting and creaminess: Stable, dense lather.
- Thickening: Builds viscosity with salt.
- Conditioning feel: Amphoteric charge leaves skin and hair soft.
- Cationic compatibility: 2-in-1s and co-washes.
- Free of CAPB-type impurities: Alternative for CAPB-sensitive customers.
Dual use across ORY® product lines
Sodium cocoamphoacetate serves cleansers, shampoos, liquid soaps, and syndet bars; not cold-process soap.
| ORY® line | Dual use? | How it is used | Typical level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ORY® Skincare |
Yes |
Baby washes, facial cleansers, sensitive-skin body washes, micellar cleansers. |
3–10% |
|
ORY® Haircare |
Yes |
Baby and sensitive-scalp shampoos, co-washes, 2-in-1s. |
5–15% |
|
ORY® Handmade Soap |
Limited |
Liquid soaps, syndet bars, shampoo bars; not cold-process bars. |
5–20% |
|
ORY® Cosmetics |
Yes |
Eye-area makeup removers, micellar waters, brush cleansers. |
1–5% |
Pros and cons of Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Pros
Cons
- Gentlest amphoteric: Eye-mild.
- Reduces irritation of co-surfactants: [1].
- CAPB alternative: No amidoamine/DMAPA impurities.
- Cationic-compatible: 2-in-1s.
- CIR-reviewed safe: [2].
- Weak primary cleanser: Pair with glucosides or SLGC.
- Cost: Higher than CAPB.
- Synthetic processing: Not COSMOS-approved in all standards.
- Alkaline as supplied: Adjust pH.
- Less consumer recognition: Requires education.
What is the best application of Sodium Cocoamphoacetate?
Sodium cocoamphoacetate is built into gentle cleansing bases:
- Baby wash or shampoo: 10% with coco-glucoside; pH 5.5–6.
- Facial cleanser: 5–8% with decyl glucoside.
- Sensitive-scalp shampoo: 8–12% with SLGC.
- Eye makeup remover: 2–3%.
- Liquid soap or syndet bar: 5–15%.
Peer-reviewed references
- Ananthapadmanabhan KP, Moore DJ, Subramanyan K, Misra M, Meyer F. Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy. 2004;17(Suppl 1):16–25.
- Elder RL (ed). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoamphoacetate, cocoamphopropionate, cocoamphodiacetate, and cocoamphodipropionate. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. 1990;9(2):121–142.
- Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018;17(1):8–14.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided by ORY International, LC for educational purposes only. It summarizes published research about sodium cocoamphoacetate as an ingredient, including laboratory and animal studies and clinical studies of formulas that may differ from ORY® products. Results from these studies may not apply to every person or to ORY® products. This page is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a dermatologist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORY® Skincare, Haircare, Handmade Soap, and Cosmetics products are cosmetics. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition, including eczema, dermatitis, acne, dandruff, or any other condition. References to FDA or Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) findings describe the ingredient, not ORY® products, and do not mean FDA has reviewed or approved any ORY® product.
Results vary by skin and scalp type, formulation, and use. Surfactants can irritate or dry skin, especially at high levels or with frequent use. Any cosmetic can cause irritation, sometimes from other ingredients. Always patch test, follow label directions, and stop use if irritation occurs. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, consult a healthcare provider before use.
ORY International, LC works to keep this page accurate and current but makes no warranty as to its completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORY International, LC is not liable for any loss or injury arising from reliance on this information or from use of any product contrary to its label directions. To report a reaction, contact us at [insert contact email / phone].
