Ingredient dictionary

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate

A mild, plant-derived cleansing agent made from coconut-based fatty acids. It lifts oil and dirt and helps create a light, soft foam. It is on the label of 17 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 Sodium Cocoamphoacetate does

Cleans by lifting oil and dirt
Builds a light, soft foam
Eases the harshness of stronger cleansers

Sodium cocoamphoacetate is made from fatty acids derived from coconut oil. These are chemically joined to a simple amino compound, then converted into a sodium salt with an acetate group. The result is an amphoteric surfactant, a cleansing agent that can carry a slight positive or negative charge depending on the pH of the formula.

Formulators use it to add foam and help lift oil and dirt from skin and hair. It is often paired with stronger cleansers, where it can soften their drying effect. It rinses clean, and it shows up in baby washes, body washes, shampoos, cleansers and micellar waters.

Good for

Suits people who want a gentle wash for everyday skin or hair, and is often chosen for baby products.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium cocoamphoacetate gentle on sensitive skin?

It is widely used in gentle products and is often chosen for sensitive skin. Everyone reacts differently, though, so patch testing a new wash on a small area first is a sensible habit.

Is sodium cocoamphoacetate the same as cocamidopropyl betaine?

No. Both are mild, coconut-derived cleansing agents, but they are different chemicals. Cocamidopropyl betaine is also amphoteric and foams well, so the two are often paired in shampoos and washes.