Sodium Cocoamphoacetate vs Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: which is worse?

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.

What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Sodium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil). It is one of the oldest and most-studied cosmetic surfactants, prized for its powerful foaming and degreasing properties. Unlike SLES, it is not ethoxylated.

Documented risks

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate: 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.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: SLS is safe at cosmetic use concentrations per the CIR Expert Panel. It is more irritating than SLES to skin and mucous membranes, particularly at concentrations above 2% with prolonged contact; this is why most rinse-off products keep it at 1–2% or opt for SLES. It can disrupt the skin barrier transiently, which is why some people with canker sores or eczema avoid SLS toothpastes and cleansers. It is not carcinogenic, not a hormone disruptor, and is not absorbed systemically in meaningful amounts. It biodegrades rapidly in the environment.