What Is Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate?
Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate is a mild surfactant created by combining fatty acids from coconut oil with the amino acid glycine and then neutralizing the result with triethanolamine. The coconut portion brings moisturizing lipids, glycine adds skin-friendly softness and the triethanolamine step turns the compound into a water-soluble salt that foams and cleans well.
Interest in gentler cleansers grew in the late 1990s when formulators looked for alternatives to harsher sulfates. Researchers discovered that coupling coconut fatty acids with amino acids produced a creamy low-irritation lather. When suppliers began offering the TEA salt version it quickly found favor in sulfate-free shampoos, face washes and body cleansers.
Manufacturing starts with hydrolyzed coconut oil to isolate lauric and other medium-chain fatty acids. These react with glycine under controlled heat to form cocoyl glycinate, which is then neutralized with triethanolamine. The finished ingredient arrives as a clear to pale-yellow liquid that blends easily into water-based formulas.
You will most often spot Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate in foaming facial cleansers, micellar waters, sulfate-free shampoos, body washes, baby washes, shaving creams and some moisturizing masks where a gentle cleanse is needed before active ingredients are applied.
Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient because it performs several useful jobs while staying kind to skin.
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, excess oil and daily grime without stripping the skin’s natural barrier so the face or scalp feels clean yet comfortable.
- Emulsifying: Helps oil and water mix evenly which stabilizes creams, lotions and foaming products leading to a smooth uniform texture.
Who Can Use Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate
This gentle surfactant suits nearly every skin type. Dry, sensitive or mature skin benefits from its mild cleansing that leaves the barrier intact, while combination and oily complexions appreciate its ability to remove excess sebum without a squeaky after-feel. There are no known concerns for acne-prone skin though individuals who require a very deep cleanse may prefer a stronger surfactant.
The ingredient is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly because its fatty acids come from coconut oil and the glycine portion can be sourced from plant fermentation. Triethanolamine is a petrochemical derivative, not an animal by-product, so no animal-derived raw materials are involved.
No evidence indicates that Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate is unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically at typical cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past their doctor to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with sun exposure. It is also odorless and free of common allergens like gluten, soy or nuts, making it broadly acceptable for people with those specific sensitivities.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that are possible yet unlikely for the average user when the ingredient has been formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation
- Transient eye stinging if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Excessive dryness when used in very high concentrations or combined with other strong surfactants
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitized to coconut derivatives or triethanolamine
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 — Non-comedogenic
Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate is completely water-soluble and rinses off cleanly so it does not hang around inside pores or mix with skin oil in a way that could form blockages. It also has no heavy waxes or butters that can sit on the surface of the skin. Because of this it earns the lowest possible clogging score.
That means the ingredient is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
A final note: if a formula pairs Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate with richer oils or occlusive agents the overall product could still be pore-clogging, so always look at the full ingredient list.
Summary
Tea-Cocoyl Glycinate is a gentle surfactant that lifts dirt and oil while helping water and oil mingle, making it both a cleanser and an emulsifier. The coconut-derived fatty acids supply mild foaming power, the glycine portion softens the feel on skin and the triethanolamine step turns it into a salt that dissolves easily in water so it rinses away without tightness.
Its popularity has grown with the move toward sulfate-free and sensitive-skin formulas, yet it still appears less often than household names like sodium laureth sulfate or coco-betaine because it costs a bit more and is mostly used by brands that focus on a gentler story.
Overall safety is high with only rare cases of irritation or allergy reported. As with any new skin care product it is wise to perform a small patch test before full use to make sure your skin agrees with the complete formula.