Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Amino Acids
Made from amino acids derived from coconut. | Works as a gentle cleansing and skin-replenishing ingredient
At a glance
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids?
Sodium cocoyl amino acids are re the salt form of amino acids hydrolyzed from coconut. It’s used as a gentle surfactant and/or skin-replenishing ingredient in skin and hair care products. Although often used as part of a blend with skin-conditioning ingredients, sodium cocoyl amino acids may also be used on its own, in amounts between 0.4–2.8% in rinse-off products and 0.4–1% in leave-on products, although amounts up to 20% are recommended when used in cleansers depending on other surfactants also present. Its safety has been evaluated and confirmed, and it is not known to be drying or sensitizing.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2017, pages 17S-56S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1091581816686048]
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- SODIUM COCOYL AMINO ACIDS
- EC Number
- -
- Function
- Antistatic, Cleansing, Surfactant
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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Sodium Cocoa Butterate
A plant-derived cleanser that removes oil and impurities from the skin surface
Sodium Cocoate
Surfactant derived from coconut acid | Also acts as an emulsifying agent
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
A coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses while providing conditioning and lubrication
Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids
A gentle coconut-derived cleanser designed to remove impurities whilst preserving skin barrier function
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Mild cleansing agent made from glutamic acid and coconut oil | Considered non-irritating to skin
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Amino acid-derived cleansing agent | Also used in hair care products
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