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COCO-SULTAINE.

Valuable / ANTISTATIC, CLEANSING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Coco-Sultaine, formally known as Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, is a versatile amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil. Highly valued in skincare, it offers gentle cleansing and emulsifying properties, while simultaneously enhancing the mildness and foam characteristics of formulations. It also contributes to skin hydration and soothing effects.

Summary

Cleansing Emulsifying Foam-boosting Thickening Mildness enhancing Soothing Moisturizing Conditioning

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an amphoteric surfactant, Coco-Sultaine effectively reduces the surface tension between oil and water, thereby facilitating the removal of impurities and promoting stable emulsions. It enhances the mildness of surfactant systems by fostering the creation of more stable micelles and increasing the critical micelle concentration (CMC), which reduces the concentration of potentially irritating free surfactant monomers. Additionally, it provides skin-conditioning benefits, helping to soothe and moisturize by forming a protective, thin film on the skin's surface to aid in moisture retention.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Rabbit studies demonstrated no skin irritation at concentrations up to 41.5%.
  2. 02 Guinea pig tests confirmed no skin sensitization at a 42% concentration.
  3. 03 Human studies showed no skin sensitization at a 2.5% concentration.
  4. 04 An isolated clinical report noted positive patch tests in a patient experiencing eczema from shampoos containing 1% Coco-Sultaine, indicating potential for individual sensitivity.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5.5 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

Coco-Sultaine exhibits chemical stability under normal ambient conditions and remains stable across a broad pH spectrum, typically cited between 4.5 and 9.0. For 5% aqueous solutions, optimal stability and performance are generally observed within the pH 5.5-8.0 range.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Strong acids
  • Conditions that could lead to the formation of N-nitroso compounds (due to potential N-nitrosatable impurities)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
2.5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that alkyl sultaines, including Coco-Sultaine (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine), are safe for use in cosmetics within current practices and concentrations. The panel advises against its incorporation into products where N-nitroso compounds might form and recommends adherence to good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) to limit N-nitrosatable impurities. While human studies show no sensitization at 2.5%, and animal studies indicate no irritation up to 41.5%, isolated instances of individual sensitivity have been reported. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation also deem it safe for use within specified concentration limits. It is considered non-toxic and readily biodegradable.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Coco-Sultaine is a valuable amphoteric surfactant offering gentle cleansing, foam enhancement, and mild skin conditioning across various skin types, supported by a robust safety profile.

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