Disodium cocoamphodiacetate in cosmetics what is it

An absolutely safe component when used as directed. Individual intolerance is possible.

A mild amphoteric surfactant that does not irritate the eyes. Allows you to reduce the salt content in the system. Used in children's cosmetics, shampoos, bath and shower products. Can be used in impregnations for wet wipes.
Hair Conditioning Agent; Surfactant - Cleansing Agent; Surfactant - Foam Booster; Surfactant - Hydrotrope; FOAM BOOSTING; SKIN CONDITIONING

The abbreviation PAV scares many people: it either sounds ominous or is deciphered incorrectly. Let us prove that there is nothing to fear. And much of what is said about these cosmetic components is just myths.

1. What is a surfactant
2. Myths about surfactants
3. Tools Overview

What is a surfactant

We will not open America by saying that surfactants (detergents) are surfactants. But perhaps we will surprise you if we say that it is almost impossible to do without them.

Surfactants are present in most beauty products, namely in almost 90% © iStock

Myths about surfactants

Myth 1. There are many cosmetics without surfactants, and they are better.

You will be disappointed, but surfactants are present in most cosmetics - in almost 90% of funds, from washing gels and expensive creams to shampoos and toothpaste.

Moreover, they are also present in micellar water, since micelles are also a form of surfactant.

Myth 2. Surfactants are added to cosmetics in order to reduce the cost of products and spoil our skin.

No. You simply cannot do without them.

1. In cleaning products, surfactants are the main ingredient, be it cosmetics or dishwashing liquid. They work like this: they catch and envelop particles of greasy contaminants (sebum, makeup) with their “tails” and are washed off, mixing with water. After this, the skin or hair becomes clean.
2. Surfactants help combine fat and water components into a homogeneous opaque emulsion (moisturizing fluid, cream or lotion for washing).
3. Surfactants are included in transparent lotions and in many tonics if they contain fats. It is surfactants that dissolve beneficial additives (vitamin E, natural oils) in the water base. Without them, according to the laws of chemistry, fat will simply float in water.

Myth 3. Surfactants are soap and sulfates.

If the manufacturer informs about the absence of soap in the composition of the product or writes that it is sulfate-free, this does not mean that it is completely free of surfactants. In addition to the well-known synthetic sulfates (SLS - sodium lauryl sulfate or SLES - sodium laureth sulfate), natural surfactants - lecithin or derivatives of vegetable fats - can be found in cosmetic products.

Myth 4. Natural cosmetics do not contain surfactants or preservatives, therefore they are safe.

We’ll talk about preservatives in another article, but now answer the question: how is the state of a homogeneous, beautiful emulsion achieved in natural cosmetics if it contains both oils and water? Exactly.

Conclusion: Surfactants are a given, which should be accepted if you use cosmetics. This is not the biggest evil against the backdrop of global environmental problems, eating disorders, bad habits, etc.

If the manufacturer notifies that there is no soap in the product or writes that it is sulfate-free, this does not mean that it is completely free of surfactants. © iStock

Tools Overview

Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo with micro-exfoliating effect Kerium DS, La Roche-Posay

And here surfactants work: the mild detergent sodium laureth sulfate thoroughly cleanses the skin and hair, and cocamidopropyl betaine (coco-betaine) maintains an optimal pH level.

Micellar makeup remover lotion 3-in-1 Normaderm, Vichy

Soft surfactants, in particular disodium cocoamphodiacetate, and micellar technology for the production of the product guarantee gentle and thorough cleansing even for sensitive skin.

Softening face cream “Life-giving hydration”, Garnier

Along with lotus extract and other moisturizing and caring components, the formula also includes surfactants that make the texture as comfortable as possible for the skin.

1. April 14, 2019
2. Facilities
3. Elena Korpach

In many cosmetic products, the composition is written in small print in a foreign language, so when purchasing it is difficult to be sure of the safety of the product. According to statistical research, approximately 97% of products contain various surfactants. One of them is disodium cocoamphodiacetate. Let's take a closer look at what this component is.

Surfactants in cosmetics

Surfactants with an amphoteric structure are used in detergents with low skin irritation. They dissolve perfectly in water and can be combined with other ingredients. Disodium cocoamphodiacetate, like other nonionic surfactants, has a synergistic effect. Manufacturers add it in safe quantities to the following detergents:

1. shampoos and bathing foams, skin care lotions;
2. as an emulsifier in face and body creams;
3. children's cosmetics: foams, shampoos, bathing gels.

Non-ionic surfactants improve wetting and form fine-cell foam in large quantities. Products with disodium cocoamphoacetate do not wash off hair dye, do not disturb the lipid-fat balance of the skin, and can be used after hair straightening with creatine. Sulfate-free shampoos containing this ingredient are suitable for frequent use. In high concentrations, this surfactant can cause a dermatological reaction, so when making cosmetics with your own hands, you should not violate the prescription dosage.

Benefits of disodium cocoamphodiacetate

This ingredient is widely used in cosmetics of expensive brands. It has thickening properties, which improves the presentation of the cosmetic product. Disodium cocoamphodiacetate does not cause lacrimation, does not irritate the eyes, and is gentle on the skin, so it is used in children's shampoos, foams and shower gels, as well as in cosmetics with coconut oil.