Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate

Benefits
Hair ConditioningCleansing

What is Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate?

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is an amphoteric surfactant produced from coconut fatty acids reacted with iminodiacetic acid and neutralized with sodium. This structure allows it to carry both positive and negative charges depending on pH, making it exceptionally mild for skin and eyes. Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and baby products, it functions by lowering surface tension to create micelles that lift dirt and oils for rinsing. It also boosts foam stability, acts as a hydrotrope to solubilize other ingredients, and provides light conditioning by reducing friction on hair shafts. Its gentle profile stems from low irritation potential compared to harsher anionics, supporting its use in sensitive formulations without compromising cleansing efficacy.

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:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
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.
Foam booster
Enhances foam volume and creaminess and can stabilize lather, improving sensory feel and perceived cleansing in shampoos and wash-off products.
Hydrotrope
Improves solubility of poorly soluble ingredients (like fragrances) in water-based systems, helping maintain clarity and prevent separation or cloudiness.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Delivers effective yet gentle cleansing by removing impurities while preserving skin's natural moisture barrier.

Improves hair softness, shine, and manageability through mild conditioning effects.

Enhances lather volume and stability for a luxurious sensory experience in wash products.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with sensitive skin or eyes preferring low-irritation cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to coconut-derived ingredients.
People with dry or frizzy hair seeking conditioning surfactants.
People who have reacted to other amphoteric surfactants in the past.
Users of frequent-wash products like daily shampoos or body washes.
Individuals preferring completely non-surfactant based formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for use in cosmetics by regulatory reviews of amphoteric surfactants.
  • Displays low potential for skin or eye irritation in typical rinse-off concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate

What is Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate derived from?

It comes from coconut fatty acids combined with acetic acid derivatives, forming a mild amphoteric compound.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its mild profile supports use in sensitive skin and eye-area products like baby shampoos.

Does it clog pores?

Rated non-comedogenic, unlikely to contribute to pore blockages.