What Is Glycereth-17 Cocoate?
Glycereth-17 Cocoate is a plant-derived ingredient made by reacting coconut fatty acids with glycerin and then attaching about 17 units of ethylene oxide to the mix. The fatty acids come from coconut oil, while glycerin is a natural humectant obtained from vegetable sources. Chemists first explored this blend in the 1970s as a way to create milder cleansers and lighter emulsifiers for personal care products. The finished material is a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves well in water and combines easily with oils, which is why formulators like it.
The production process starts with splitting coconut oil into its component fatty acids. These acids are then esterified with glycerin to form glycerol esters. Finally, ethoxylation adds the repeating ethylene oxide units, boosting the ingredient’s solubility and skin feel. The result is a versatile, skin-friendly agent that helps water and oil mix and also lifts away dirt.
You will spot Glycereth-17 Cocoate in facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, baby shampoos, light lotions, sprayable moisturizers and sheet mask essences. It is especially popular in formulas aimed at sensitive or dry skin because of its gentle cleansing action and silky afterfeel.
Glycereth-17 Cocoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings two key functions to a cosmetic formula
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature loosens and removes sweat, oil and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. This makes washes and wipes feel mild yet effective
- Emulsifying: It helps water and oil stay blended, giving lotions and creams a smooth, stable texture while preventing separation over time
Who Can Use Glycereth-17 Cocoate
Glycereth-17 Cocoate is generally well tolerated by all skin types. Dry and sensitive skin benefit from its gentle cleansing and light moisturising feel, while oily or acne-prone skin appreciate that it rinses clean without leaving a heavy film. Those with a known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives or coconut-based ingredients may want to approach with caution as this material contains both.
The ingredient is produced from coconut fatty acids, glycerin and petroleum-free ethylene oxide, so it contains no animal-derived matter. That makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No studies have flagged any specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when using products containing Glycereth-17 Cocoate. This information is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified health professional before use.
Glycereth-17 Cocoate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also safe for daily use on hair and scalp, including color-treated hair.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Glycereth-17 Cocoate vary from person to person. The points below cover potential side effects, yet most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation a fleeting feeling of stinging or warmth, most often if the product sits on the skin for an extended time before rinsing
- Redness or itching possible in individuals with very sensitive skin or existing dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis rare but can occur in those allergic to coconut derivatives or ethoxylated ingredients
- Eye stinging if high-foaming formulas accidentally get into the eyes during use
- Dryness or tightness when used at unusually high levels in a formula not balanced with other emollients
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Although the ingredient is built from coconut fatty acids, the heavy ethoxylation makes the final molecule water soluble and easily rinseable, so it is far less likely to sit in pores compared with raw coconut oil. Most formulas use Glycereth-17 Cocoate at low levels as a helper surfactant or emulsifier, further reducing any clogging potential. People who are prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this ingredient without extra concern.
Because it is usually found in wash-off products, contact time with the skin is short, which also keeps the comedogenic risk minimal.
Summary
Glycereth-17 Cocoate acts mainly as a gentle cleanser and a light emulsifier. Its water-loving ethylene oxide chain grabs onto grime while its coconut-based tail mingles with oils, letting the two rinse away together and keeping lotions stable.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a headliner, yet it appears in plenty of facial cleansers, body washes and spray lotions because it delivers a silky feel without harshness.
Current safety data show it to be low risk for irritation or sensitisation when used at normal cosmetic levels. As with any new product though it is smart to patch test first so you can spot any personal sensitivity before using it all over.