What Is Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate?
Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate is a surfactant created by reacting coconut-derived fatty alcohols with sulfuric acid to form coco-sulfuric acid, then neutralizing that mixture with triethanolamine (TEA) and magnesium salts. The coconut backbone supplies the gentle lathering properties while TEA and magnesium keep the ingredient water-soluble and stable for use in personal care formulas.
Surfactants based on coconut oil began gaining popularity in the 1970s when formulators looked for milder alternatives to traditional soap and harsher sulfates. Combining coco-sulfate with TEA made it easy to adjust pH, and the later addition of magnesium improved viscosity and skin feel, so the blended salt complex became a staple in cleansing products.
Manufacturing starts with refining coconut oil into a mix of fatty alcohols. These alcohols are treated with sulfur trioxide or chlorosulfonic acid to create coco-sulfuric acid. Controlled neutralization with TEA forms TEA-coco-sulfate; a second neutralization step with magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide converts a portion of the remaining acid groups into magnesium salts. The final paste or powder is then dried or diluted to the concentration needed for finished goods.
You will most often find Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate in foaming cleansers like shampoos, facial washes, body washes, bath gels, hand soaps and exfoliating scrubs. Its mildness and creamy lather also make it useful in shaving products, bubble baths and some toothpaste and mouth rinse formulations.
Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays a single but vital role in cosmetic formulas.
As a cleansing agent Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and everyday buildup can be loosened and rinsed away. It creates a rich creamy foam that makes products easy to spread and leaves skin or hair feeling fresh but not stripped.
Who Can Use Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate
Because it is a mild coconut based surfactant, Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate generally works for most skin and scalp types including normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive. That said, anyone with a known allergy to coconut derivatives or sulfates may prefer to avoid it, as even gentler sulfates can still provoke redness or itchiness in a small subset of highly reactive skin.
The ingredient is plant derived and contains no animal sourced components so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Production does not rely on animal testing in regions that follow modern cosmetic regulations, though confirmation of a brand’s cruelty free status should always come from the brand itself.
Current research has not flagged Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate as an ingredient of concern for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is used topically and has negligible systemic absorption. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should clear all personal care products with a healthcare professional to be extra safe.
Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard sun protection practices are still encouraged whenever skin is exposed to daylight.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate differ from person to person. The following are potential side effects, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated in a finished product.
- Skin dryness or tightness if used in very high concentrations or left on the skin for prolonged periods
- Mild irritation or stinging, particularly on compromised or eczema prone skin
- Eye irritation if the lather accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to coconut derivatives or sulfate based surfactants
- Fading of fresh hair dye due to its cleansing power on color treated hair
If any irritation or discomfort occurs discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and leaves no oily or waxy residue on the skin. Because clogged pores are caused by ingredients that stick inside the follicle and trap sebum, a fully water-dispersible cleanser like this earns the lowest possible score.
That means it is generally safe for those who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One extra point to note is that most finished cleansers contain several ingredients, so the overall pore-clogging potential depends on the full formula, not just this surfactant.
Summary
Magnesium/Tea-Coco-Sulfate is a coconut based cleansing agent that reduces water’s surface tension so oils, grime and product buildup can lift away with a rich creamy foam. The magnesium and TEA salts help keep the surfactant stable, water-soluble and gentle, which is why formulators reach for it when they want mild lather without the harshness of traditional sulfates.
It shows up in shampoos, face washes, body washes and even bubble baths, yet it remains a behind-the-scenes workhorse rather than a buzzworthy superstar. Consumers rarely see it highlighted on front labels, but many everyday cleansers rely on it for that satisfying suds and clean-rinse feel.
Current data and decades of use point to a low risk profile. When properly formulated it is mild, non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains it before folding it into a full routine.