What Is Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate?
Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is a mild surfactant made by joining fatty acids from coconut oil and hydrogenated tallow with the naturally occurring amino acid glutamic acid, then neutralizing the mixture with sodium. The result is a gentle salt that helps water mix with oil and dirt.
Surfactants based on amino acids appeared in the 1990s as brands looked for skin friendly options to replace harsher soaps. Because glutamic acid is already present in skin and hair, chemists found that attaching it to fatty acids creates a cleanser that removes grime without stripping moisture.
The ingredient is produced through a few key steps. First, coconut oil and tallow are split into their fatty acids. These acids are reacted with glutamic acid to form an acyl glutamate. Hydrogen is then added to stabilize the tallow portion, and the mixture is finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide to give the finished sodium salt.
You are most likely to see Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate in gentle foaming products such as facial cleansers, shampoos, body washes, baby washes, micellar waters, syndet bars and makeup removers. It can also appear in scrub bases and some shaving formulations where a creamy but non irritating lather is needed.
Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for one main role in cosmetics which is cleansing.
As a cleansing agent it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, sweat and everyday dirt can be lifted from skin and hair then rinsed away with ease. Because it is derived from both plant and animal fatty acids joined to an amino acid, the resulting cleanser is usually less drying than traditional soap. The mildness makes it suitable for sensitive skin and for formulas that aim to keep the skin’s natural barrier intact while still delivering a satisfying lather.
Who Can Use Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate
This gentle surfactant suits most skin types including normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive because it cleans without stripping natural moisture or disrupting the skin barrier. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin should still check the full ingredient list of a finished product in case other additives cause trouble.
The hydrogenated tallow portion is sourced from animal fat so the ingredient is not considered vegan or vegetarian. If a label specifies a fully plant-based version, that would be the only scenario in which those lifestyles could use it with confidence.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this cleansing agent is used in rinse-off cosmetics. There is minimal skin absorption and no evidence of hormone disruption. This is general information, not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run products past a healthcare professional to be sure they fit personal needs.
Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used alongside daytime products without changing sun protection habits. It is also compatible with sulfate-free and low-pH routines, adding versatility for many users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate vary. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average person when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild redness or stinging in those with highly sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact allergy presenting as itching or small rash in people allergic to coconut-derived or tallow-derived substances
- Eye irritation if the raw ingredient or a high-foaming product enters the eyes before rinsing
- Excess dryness when the cleanser is left on the skin for prolonged periods or used at a very high concentration
If any irritation or unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is a rinse-off amino acid surfactant that does not linger on skin and has no heavy oils or waxes that could clog pores. Lab studies show it leaves minimal residue after rinsing, so the risk of blocking follicles is very low. For these reasons it earns a near non-comedogenic score of 1.
Because of this low rating it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One extra point worth noting is that the finished formula matters. If the cleanser pairs this ingredient with highly occlusive butters or silicones the overall product could still feel heavier on oily skin, even though the surfactant itself is light.
Summary
Sodium Cocoyl/Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is a mild cleansing agent that lifts oil, dirt and makeup by lowering water’s surface tension. Its structure marries coconut and tallow fatty acids with the skin-friendly amino acid glutamic acid, creating a surfactant that cleans without stripping.
You will mainly see it in gentle face washes, sulfate-free shampoos, baby cleansers and micellar waters. It is not the most famous ingredient on shelves, but formulators appreciate its mildness so its presence has been growing in sensitive skin and low-pH products.
Current data shows it is low risk, non-sensitizing when properly formulated and has minimal chance of clogging pores. Still, individual skin can react to almost anything, so performing a small patch test with any new product remains a smart precaution.