Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate

Benefits
Cleansing

What is Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate?

Disodium capryloyl glutamate is the disodium salt of the acyl derivative of glutamic acid combined with caprylic acid, sourced from plant fatty acids like coconut oil and the amino acid glutamic acid. This anionic surfactant appears in rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and deodorants. It works by reducing surface tension between water, oils, and dirt, forming micelles that lift impurities for easy rinsing. Its structure provides mild foaming and emulsifying properties, while also supporting odor control through interactions with odor-causing compounds or microbes. Valued for biodegradability, it suits formulations aiming for gentleness in daily hygiene routines.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Deodorant agent
Targets malodor by neutralizing odor molecules, inhibiting odor-causing microbes, or adding fragrance notes to improve underarm and body freshness.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Deodorant
Helps control body odor by reducing odor-causing bacteria and/or neutralizing or masking malodor, without necessarily reducing sweat production.

Benefits

Delivers thorough cleansing by removing dirt and oils effectively.

Supports deodorizing by targeting odor sources.

Enables stable foaming in washes and shampoos.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with sensitive skin seeking mild cleansers.
Those with known allergies to glutamic acid derivatives.
Individuals preferring amino acid-based surfactants.
People sensitive to coconut-derived ingredients.
Users of daily body washes or shampoos needing odor control.
Individuals experiencing irritation from anionic surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by environmental health assessments.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate

What is Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate?

A mild, plant-derived surfactant from glutamic acid and caprylic acid used in cleansers for gentle dirt removal and foaming.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, it has a low hazard rating and is known for mildness in rinse-off products.

Does it help with body odor?

It functions as a deodorant agent by addressing odor molecules and microbes.