Ingredient dictionary

Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate

Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a mild cleansing agent made from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid, an amino acid. Its main job is lifting oil and dirt off skin. It is on the label of 13 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate does

Lifts oil and dirt from skin
Creates a fine, creamy lather
Cleanses gently, with a mild feel
Leaves skin feeling soft after rinsing

Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate is made by joining coconut-derived fatty acids with glutamic acid, a natural amino acid, then neutralizing it with a sodium base. This gives it a water-soluble salt form. It belongs to a group called amino acid surfactants, which are cleansing agents that lift oil and dirt from skin.

Formulators use it because it cleans well while feeling gentler than many older foaming agents. It produces a fine, creamy lather and rinses away without a squeaky, tight finish for many people. You will often find it in face washes, body washes and baby products, where a mild feel matters most.

Good for

Good for people with dry, sensitive or easily irritated skin, and for baby and family washes.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate safe for sensitive skin?

It is generally considered one of the milder cleansing agents, so many people with sensitive skin tolerate it well. Everyone reacts differently, though. If you notice redness or itching, stop using the product and check with a dermatologist or doctor.

Is Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate the same as sulfates?

No. Sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate are a different class of cleanser. Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate is an amino acid-based option, usually gentler and less stripping. It still foams and cleans, so it can work in the same kind of product.