What Is Cocoyl Sarcosinamide Dea?
Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA is a surfactant made by joining fatty acids from coconut oil with the amino acid derivative sarcosine, then reacting the blend with diethanolamine. The result is a mild, creamy amide that dissolves in water and mixes easily with other ingredients. Interest in coconut-based cleansers grew in the 1960s when brands looked for gentler options than traditional soaps, and Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA soon followed as chemists explored sarcosine chemistry for personal care.
Production starts with splitting coconut oil into its fatty acids. These acids are combined with sodium sarcosinate to form cocoyl sarcosine, which is then amidated with diethanolamine under controlled heat. The finished ingredient is a viscous liquid or paste that blends smoothly into formulas.
You will most often see Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, hand soaps, shaving creams and some conditioning masks. Its ability to clean while cushioning the skin and hair makes it popular in products that need rich foam without harshness.
Cocoyl Sarcosinamide Dea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient adds several useful qualities to topical cosmetics
- Hair conditioning: Forms a light film that smooths the cuticle so hair feels softer, detangles more easily and looks shinier
- Cleansing: Lifts dirt, excess oil and product buildup without stripping natural moisture making it ideal for daily use on skin or hair
- Foam boosting: Increases the volume and stability of lather so washes feel lush and spread evenly across the surface being cleaned
- Viscosity controlling: Thickens formulas to a pleasing, easy-to-dispense texture which also helps suspend other ingredients uniformly
Who Can Use Cocoyl Sarcosinamide Dea
Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA is mild enough for most skin and scalp types including normal, oily, combination and even many sensitive skins thanks to its coconut derived fatty acids. Extremely reactive or allergy prone individuals should still be cautious because any surfactant has the potential to upset an already compromised barrier.
The ingredient is sourced from coconut oil and synthesized without animal by products so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this cleanser is used at the low levels found in finished cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before adding new products to their routine.
Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also considered color safe for dyed hair and is gentle enough for daily use in baby cleansers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA vary from person to person. The reactions listed below are possible outcomes but are uncommon for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild eye irritation if the product enters the eyes during use
- Transient stinging or redness on very sensitive or broken skin
- Contact allergy resulting in itching or rash in individuals already sensitized to coconut derivatives or diethanolamine compounds
- Dryness or tightness when used in high concentrations or multiple times a day without follow up moisture
- Potential formation of trace nitrosamines if the finished product is stored improperly or formulated with certain preservatives
If any irritation or unusual reaction develops discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA is water soluble and designed to rinse away, so it does not stay on the skin long enough to clog pores. It also lacks the heavy, oily structure that usually drives comedogenicity. Because of that it is generally fine for people prone to acne or breakouts. In leave-on products the risk would be slightly higher, but those formulas are rare.
As with most surfactants, any breakout that occurs is more likely linked to over-cleansing or irritation than actual pore clogging.
Summary
Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA acts as a gentle cleanser, light hair conditioner, foam booster and viscosity controller. Its coconut fatty acids lift dirt while sarcosine chemistry leaves a soft after-feel, and the amide structure thickens formulas so they pour smoothly. Brands reach for it when they want rich, creamy lather without the squeaky dryness of traditional soap, though it is not as famous as newer sulfate-free blends so you will mostly spot it in value shampoos, body washes and bubble baths rather than high-end skin care.
Safety data show low irritation potential at the small percentages used in rinse-off products, with allergy or dryness appearing only in a minority of sensitive users. As with any new cosmetic it is smart to patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.