| What is it? | Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild liquid amphoteric surfactant. |
| INCI | Sodium Cocoamphoacetate |
| Appearance | Turbid semi-viscous liquid. |
| Usage rate | Typical usage in formulas would generally be in the 3–40% range. I have found no maximum usage level stated. |
| Scent | Characteristically soapy/detergent-y. |
| Active Surfactant Matter | 38% |
| pH | 9 (10% solution) |
| Charge | Amphoteric |
| Solubility | Water |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | We include Sodium Cocoamphoacetate in our formulas to make surfactant blends milder, function as a secondary surfactant, boost foam/lather, and increase viscosity. |
| Do you need it? | No, Cocamidopropyl Betaine would be my first choice for a mild amphoteric surfactant. |
| Strengths | Makes surfactant blends milder, boosts lather, conditions skin and hair. |
| Weaknesses | Because it has a higher pH than Cocamidopropyl Betaine I find products made with Sodium Cocoamphoacetate usually require pH adjustment. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | Cocamidopropyl Betaine would be my first choice. Otherwise you’ll want to look for another liquid amphoteric surfactant. Read this for more information on substituting surfactants. |
| How to Work with It | Include it in the heated water phase or cool down phase. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate should last up to two years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | Amphoteric surfactants have a positive (cationic) charge in acidic pH environments and a negative (anionic) charge in basic pH environments. |
| Recommended starter amount | 250mL (8fl oz) |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier. Mine was gifted by Essential Wholesale. |
Want to compare different surfactants?
Check out my super useful surfactants table!
