What Is Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate?
Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate is a plant-derived surfactant created by reacting fatty acids from coconut oil with ethylene oxide, then neutralizing the resulting product with sodium to form a water-soluble salt. The average of six ethylene oxide units per molecule earns it the “Peg-6” part of its name, while “cocamide” signals its coconut origin and “carboxylate” points to the carboxylic acid group that boosts water compatibility.
The search for gentler cleansers in the late twentieth century led formulators to modify traditional coconut-based surfactants, adding polyethylene glycol chains to improve mildness and foaming. This evolution opened the door for Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate, which quickly found favor in shampoos and facial washes in the 1990s. Its balanced mix of oil-loving and water-loving segments lets it lift away grime without stripping skin or hair.
Production starts with refined coconut fatty acids. These are reacted with ethylene oxide in controlled conditions to build the Peg-6 backbone. A carboxymethyl step follows, introducing the acid group. Finally, the material is neutralized with sodium hydroxide, filtered and quality-checked before reaching cosmetic labs as a clear to pale yellow liquid.
Thanks to its mildness and versatility you will spot this ingredient in everyday products such as shampoos, body washes, micellar waters, baby cleansers, foaming facial gels, makeup removers, bubble baths and even sulfate-free toothpastes and pet shampoos.
Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multipurpose surfactant supports both the performance and sensory feel of many rinse-off products:
- Cleansing: Breaks up and suspends dirt, oil and makeup so they rinse away easily, leaving skin and hair fresh without a tight afterfeel
- Emulsifying: Helps water and oil blend into a stable mixture, improving formula consistency while preventing separation in products like micellar water or creamy cleansers
Who Can Use Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate
This mild coconut-based surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it cleans without upsetting the skin’s natural moisture balance. Those with very reactive or eczema-prone skin should still keep an eye on ingredient lists since any surfactant, even gentle ones, can occasionally trigger irritation if used in high amounts or left on the skin.
The ingredient is sourced from coconut oil and processed synthetically, so it contains no animal-derived material. That makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product is certified cruelty free.
Current cosmetic safety reviews have not flagged Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate as a concern for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional to be safe.
The molecule itself does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most other common skincare ingredients, has no known effects on hair color treatments and rinses clean without residue.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects only. When the ingredient is correctly formulated in a product most users will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild skin redness or stinging
- Dryness or tight feeling if the formula is left on the skin too long
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity to coconut derivatives
If any irritation occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses away completely and does not leave an oily film behind, so it has little tendency to clog pores. Its low molecular weight and hydrophilic nature let it wash off before it can sit in follicles, keeping the comedogenic risk minimal.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially in rinse-off formulas where contact time is short.
Formulas that pair it with heavy oils or butters could change the overall pore-clogging potential of the finished product, so the whole ingredient deck still matters.
Summary
Sodium Peg-6 Cocamide Carboxylate acts mainly as a gentle cleanser and emulsifier. Its coconut-derived fatty acid tail grabs onto oils and dirt while the polyethylene glycol head binds to water, lifting grime so it can be rinsed away. The carboxylate group improves solubility which further boosts mildness and ease of removal.
You will spot this ingredient fairly often in mainstream shampoos, face washes and baby cleansers though it is not as ubiquitous as classic sulfates. Brands that market mild or sulfate-free formulas rely on it to deliver creamy foam without harshness.
Safety assessments classify it as low risk in rinse-off products with only occasional reports of mild irritation. As with any new product give it a quick patch test on a small area first to confirm your skin agrees.