Is Sodium Cocoamphoacetate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
INCI name SODIUM COCOAMPHOACETATE. Also called Cocoampho Acetate. CAS 68334-21-4.
Other names: Cocoampho Acetate
Is Sodium Cocoamphoacetate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash, Vanicream Shampoo for Sensitive Skin |
| CAS number | 68334-21-4 |
What is Sodium Cocoamphoacetate?
Sodium cocoamphoacetate is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids and glycine. It is a mild, biodegradable surfactant used in baby and sensitive-skin cleansers, often as a replacement for or alongside CAPB.
Why is Sodium Cocoamphoacetate used in personal-care products?
Provides gentle cleansing, boosts foam, and reduces irritation from other surfactants. Its amphoteric nature makes it compatible with cationic, anionic, and non-ionic systems.
Is Sodium Cocoamphoacetate dangerous? Documented risks
Sodium cocoamphoacetate has an excellent safety and tolerability profile. It is less likely than CAPB to cause contact sensitization and is suitable for baby, pediatric, and compromised-skin formulations. No carcinogenic or hormonal concerns are documented.
Products that may contain Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
How to avoid Sodium Cocoamphoacetate: safer alternatives
CAPB or sodium lauramphoacetate as functionally similar amphoteric alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Is sodium cocoamphoacetate safer than CAPB?
It has a lower documented contact sensitization rate than CAPB and is preferred in some baby formulas. Both are considered safe; CAPB's sensitization issue was mainly with impurities in early manufacturing.
What does 'amphoteric' mean for a surfactant?
Amphoteric surfactants have both positive and negative charges depending on the pH, making them extremely gentle and compatible with most other ingredients.
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Sources
- CIR Safety Assessment of Amphoteric Surfactants — Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- EWG Skin Deep: Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.