Sodium Cocoyl (typically as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sarcosinate, or Glutamate) is a mild, coconut-derived anionic surfactant used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent in cleansers, syndet bars, and shampoos. It produces a creamy lather while being less stripping to the skin barrier than harsher surfactants like SLS.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or frequent use; generally milder than sulfate surfactants. |
| Irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Possible in sensitive or compromised skin, particularly around the eyes. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reported occasionally; patch testing can confirm. |
| Disruption of skin barrier with overuse | Rare | Excessive cleansing may reduce natural lipids over time. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.