What Is Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate?
Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate is a synthetic surfactant made by combining coconut-derived fatty acids with triethanolamine, adding three units of ethylene oxide, then introducing a sulfate group. The result is a mild yet effective cleaning agent that carries both water-loving and oil-loving parts, letting it break up grime while rinsing away easily. It first appeared in personal care labs in the late twentieth century when formulators were searching for gentler alternatives to harsher sulfates used in early shampoos and soaps. Over time its balanced performance and skin-friendly profile earned it a place in many modern wash-off products.
Production starts with coconut oil that is hydrolyzed to isolate fatty acids. These acids are reacted with a nitrogen-containing molecule to form cocamide, ethoxylated to insert short polyethylene glycol chains, sulfated, then neutralized with triethanolamine to yield a clear liquid or paste. Each step fine-tunes solubility, foaming and mildness.
You will most often spot Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, liquid hand soaps, bubble baths and exfoliating scrubs. It also shows up in cleansing masks or shower gels where a creamy foam feels desirable.
Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this ingredient because it carries several performance benefits at once.
- Cleansing – Attracts and lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup so skin and hair feel fresh after rinsing
- Foaming – Generates a stable rich lather that helps spread the product evenly and gives users a satisfying sensory experience
- Emulsifying – Keeps water and oil components blended which prevents separation and ensures consistent texture during the product’s shelf life
- Hydrotrope – Improves the solubility of other ingredients allowing high-active yet clear formulations and reducing the need for extra solvents
Who Can Use Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate
This surfactant is generally considered suitable for most skin types including normal, oily and combination skin because it cleanses well without leaving a heavy residue. People with very dry, eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin may find any sulfate cleansers a bit stripping if used too often so they should look for formulas that pair the ingredient with extra moisturizers or limit contact time.
Because it is produced from coconut oil and fully synthetic processing agents rather than animal-derived materials, Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate is compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles as long as the finished product has not been tested on animals.
The ingredient is used almost exclusively in rinse-off products which means minimal absorption. Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new personal care items to their routine.
Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate does not increase photosensitivity so everyday sun exposure precautions remain unchanged. Its mild profile also makes it color-safe for most hair dyes although prolonged soaking could still fade very vibrant shades over time.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that are possible yet unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Dryness or tightness in skin or scalp after frequent or prolonged use
- Irritation or redness particularly on compromised or highly sensitive skin
- Eye stinging and watering if the lather accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching rash or small bumps in rare cases
- Fading of semi-permanent hair color if shampoo is left on hair for extended periods
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off fully and leaves little to no oily residue, which means it is unlikely to clog pores. It contains a coconut-derived fatty chain yet the ethoxylation and sulfation steps make the molecule highly hydrophilic, further lowering its pore-blocking potential. Because it is used in wash-off cleansers and shampoos with short skin contact, the risk of buildup that could trap sebum or debris is minimal.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone users in most rinse-off formulas.
Note that overall product composition matters. A cleanser rich in heavy oils or waxes could still feel greasy even if this ingredient itself is low on the scale.
Summary
Tea-Peg-3 Cocamide Sulfate is a versatile surfactant that cleanses, foams, emulsifies and acts as a hydrotrope. Its dual water-loving and oil-loving structure lifts dirt and oil while creating a luxurious lather, helps keep oil and water phases blended for a smooth texture, and boosts the solubility of other ingredients so formulas can stay clear and stable.
It shows up most often in mainstream shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers where formulators want a milder alternative to traditional sulfates without sacrificing foam. While not the most talked-about ingredient in marketing copy, it remains a quiet workhorse in many everyday products.
Current safety reviews label it as low risk for irritation in rinse-off use with no evidence of systemic toxicity. Nonetheless every skin type is different so it is wise to patch test a new product to be on the safe side.