Sodium Dicocoylethylenediamine PEG-15 Sulfate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is Sodium Dicocoylethylenediamine PEG-15 Sulfate?

Sodium Dicocoylethylenediamine PEG-15 Sulfate is an anionic surfactant synthesized from coconut fatty acids, ethylenediamine, polyethylene glycol (15 units), and sulfuric acid. This creates a molecule with amide bonds and ethoxylated chains, classifying it as a specialty alkyl sulfate. Commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, it operates by disrupting surface tension to lift dirt, sebum, and residues from hair and scalp. The dicocoyl groups provide lipophilic affinity for oils, while PEG enhances water solubility and mildness. Its diamine structure deposits conditioning films that smooth cuticles, reduce friction, and boost wet combability. As a foam booster, it generates stable, creamy lather for better rinse-off. Designed for rinse-off applications, it balances efficacy with gentleness in everyday formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 3 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.

Benefits

Delivers effective cleansing by emulsifying oils and impurities from hair and scalp.

Boosts rich, stable foam for improved sensory experience during washing.

Offers conditioning properties to enhance softness, shine, and ease of detangling.

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 normal or oily hair needing mild daily cleansing.	Those sensitive to PEG compounds or ethoxylated ingredients.
Users seeking shampoos with good lather and conditioning in one.	People with allergies to coconut-derived materials.
Individuals preferring low-comedogenic options for scalp care.	Users opting for completely sulfate-free personal care products.

Safety Notes

Considered safe in rinse-off products at typical cosmetic levels per regulatory reviews.
Low comedogenic potential, unlikely to clog pores on scalp or skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Dicocoylethylenediamine PEG-15 Sulfate

What does this ingredient do in products?

It cleanses by removing dirt and oils, boosts foam, and conditions hair for better manageability.

Is it suitable for sensitive scalps?

Its mild profile from ethoxylation makes it gentler than traditional sulfates for most users.

Why is it used in shampoos?

Combines surfactant action for cleansing with conditioning to improve hair feel and lather quality.