Ingredient dictionary

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate

A mild, coconut-derived cleansing agent that lifts oil and dirt and creates a gentle foam in rinse-off products. It is on the label of 18 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate does

Gently lifts oil and dirt
Creates a soft, creamy foam
Softens the feel of stronger cleansers
Leaves hair and skin feeling smooth

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is made from fatty acids that come from coconut oil. Chemists join these fatty chains to a nitrogen-containing ring, then add two acetate groups. The result is a surfactant, a cleansing agent that lifts oil, that can carry a positive or negative charge depending on the pH, or acidity, of the formula. That shifting charge is why it is called amphoteric.

Formulators like it because it cleans well while staying gentle. It makes a soft, creamy foam and helps lift oil, sunscreen and makeup without a harsh, squeaky feel. It is often blended with stronger cleansers to soften their effect. In a formula, it feels smooth and rinses clean, leaving skin or hair feeling soft rather than stripped.

Good for

People with sensitive skin or scalp, and anyone who wants a gentle daily cleanser or shampoo.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate safe for sensitive skin?

It is generally considered one of the milder cleansing agents, so many people with sensitive skin or scalp use products that contain it. Everyone reacts differently, though. If a new product stings or itches, stop using it and check with a dermatologist.

Is Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate a sulfate?

No. It is an amphoteric surfactant, a different family from sulfates such as sodium laureth sulfate. That is why it often appears in products labeled sulfate-free.