| 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!