Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

Sodium cocoyl glutamate is an amino-acid–derived anionic surfactant used primarily as a cleanser (commonly several percent in rinse-off formulas), and it is generally milder than sulfates but still capable of causing stinging, dryness, or barrier disruption in reactive or eczematous skin. Clinical and consumer patch testing data typically show low-to-moderate irritation rates, yet surfactants remain a common trigger when skin is compromised or when combined with other actives in a routine. Given its surfactant nature and the higher-risk population (atopic/sensitized skin), a mild irritancy score is the safest clinically-aligned assessment. Safety Notes: In commercial products, sodium cocoyl glutamate is used at very low levels (~0.1–0.5%) as a secondary mild co-surfactant/foam booster or irritation-mitigator in rinse-off cleansers and shampoos, and occasionally in low-foaming micellar/cleansing waters. At the high end, consumer-available “amino-acid surfactant” cleansing pastes, facial cleansers, and syndet-style bars can reach ~10–20% sodium cocoyl glutamate (as supplied/active) as a primary anionic surfactant in the total surfactant system; such levels are generally restricted to rinse-off formats due to leave-on irritation potential and sensorial/stability constraints.