Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate?

Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is a mild surfactant created by combining fatty acids from coconut oil with the amino acid glycine and then neutralizing the mixture with potassium hydroxide. The result is a salt that carries cleansing power while remaining gentle on skin and hair. Introduced in the 1990s as brands searched for softer alternatives to traditional sulfates, it quickly gained traction in Japan and later worldwide for its skin-friendly profile.

Production involves hydrolyzing coconut oil to separate its fatty acids, reacting those acids with glycine to form cocoyl glycinate, then adding potassium to produce the final water-soluble ingredient. You will most often spot it in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, baby products, and even some shaving foams where a creamy low-irritation lather is desired.

Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient brings two main functions to a formula

  • Hair Conditioning: It deposits a thin film on each strand that smooths the cuticle which makes hair feel softer and look shinier while reducing static
  • Cleansing: Its gentle surfactant action lifts away dirt oil and makeup without stripping natural moisture helping maintain the skin’s acid mantle and leaving a comfortable after-feel

Who Can Use Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate

Because it is exceptionally mild Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate suits almost every skin type including sensitive reactive or mature skin. Oily and acne-prone complexions appreciate its ability to cleanse without overstripping while dry or eczema-prone skin benefits from its moisture-respecting nature. There are no specific skin types that must avoid it unless an individual has a known allergy to coconut-derived ingredients or glycine derivatives.

The ingredient is derived from coconut oil and the amino acid glycine, both plant-based sources, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

No evidence suggests any risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still check with a healthcare professional before introducing new skincare items.

Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also soap-free and sulfate-free which reduces the likelihood of stinging around the eyes or disrupting hair color treatments.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate vary between individuals. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes, and when the ingredient is formulated correctly most users will not notice any problems.

  • Mild eye irritation if the cleanser is not fully rinsed away
  • Transient redness or tightness in people with extremely compromised skin barriers
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis in those sensitized to coconut derivatives

If any discomfort, rash or irritation develops discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0-1 (effectively non comedogenic)

Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is a highly water soluble salt that rinses away cleanly. It contains no heavy oils or waxes that can block pores and its molecules stay dispersed in water so residue on skin is minimal. Because of this it rarely triggers blackheads or breakouts even for those prone to acne.

Suitable for acne prone skin.

Pore clogging risk can rise if a finished formula combines this surfactant with rich butters or occlusive oils so always check the full ingredient list.

Summary

Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is a coconut based surfactant that cleanses while lightly conditioning. It removes dirt oil and makeup without stripping moisture and leaves hair cuticles smoother.

The ingredient gained popularity in Japan during the 1990s and has since become a staple in gentle cleansers though it is still less common than sulfates and glucose derived surfactants.

Studies and decades of use point to a very low risk of irritation or allergy. Even so every skin type is different so perform a patch test before adding a new product containing Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate to your routine.

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