Cocoyl Glutamic Acid (CAS 210357-12-3), chemically identified as N-coco-acyl-L-glutamic acid, is a mild anionic surfactant precursor functioning as a primary cleansing agent and conditioning active in amino acid-based facial cleansers and sulfate-free hair care. Decyl Glucoside is a related nonionic surfactant for mild cleansing-system selection. This acidic powder, technically derived from the condensation of L-glutamic acid and coconut fatty acids, serves as a direct functional ingredient in low-pH formulations or as an intermediate that can be neutralized in-situ to form salts (like sodium or potassium cocoyl glutamate) for optimizing viscosity and foam structure. We provide bulk supply of this high-purity raw material with competitive factory pricing to ensure cost-efficiency for personal care manufacturers. Our production line strictly controls the free fatty acid content, making MSDS, TDS, COA available alongside customized specifications to meet specific particle size or acid value requirements.
Cocoyl Glutamic Acid CAS 210357-12-3
- CAS: 210357-12-3
- Synonyms: Cocoyl Glutamic Acid
- Molecular Formula: C17H31NO5
- Grade: Cosmetic / personal care grade, amino acid surfactant
- Package: 1 kg aluminum foil bag / 25 kg fiber drum, inner PE liner or as customer’s requirement
Product Description
Cocoyl Glutamic Acid (N-Cocoyl-L-Glutamic Acid) is a mild, plant-derived amino acid surfactant obtained by condensing natural coconut fatty acids with fermented L-glutamic acid. It is supplied as a white to light yellow powder and is mainly used as the acid form that can be neutralized with NaOH, KOH or TEA to obtain corresponding cocoyl glutamate salts.
Compared with traditional anionic surfactants such as SLS/SLES, Cocoyl Glutamic Acid offers very low irritation, fine and creamy foam, and excellent skin feel. It is readily biodegradable and derived from renewable raw materials, making it suitable for “natural”, “amino acid” and “sulfate-free” concepts in modern personal care formulations.
It is widely used in facial cleansers, shampoo, shower gel, baby care products and syndet bars, either as a primary mild surfactant or as a co-surfactant to improve foam quality and reduce irritation of other anionics.
Physicochemical Properties
| Item | Typical Value / Description* |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder / flakes |
| Odor | Slight, characteristic |
| Active content | ≥ 95–98% (assay) |
| CAS No. | 210357-12-3 |
| EC / Einecs No. | 232-674-9 |
| pH (1% aqueous, 25 °C) | Approx. 2.0–4.0 (acid form, weakly acidic) |
| Acid value | Approx. 280–360 mg KOH/g |
| Solubility | Dispersible in water; easily soluble after neutralization to cocoyl glutamate salts |
| Recommended dosage | 5–35% in finished cleansing products (as supplied) |
| Origin of raw materials | Natural coconut oil fatty acids + L-glutamic acid |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable, environmentally friendly surfactant |
| Shelf life (unopened, proper storage) | 24 months |
Applications
1. Facial Cleansers & Face Wash
- Main or co-surfactant in amino acid facial cleansers, mousse and gel cleansers.
- Provides fine, dense foam and a smooth after-feel without tightness or dryness.
- Suitable for products targeting sensitive, dry or acne-prone skin.
2. Shampoo & Scalp-Care Products
- Used in mild shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp-care cleansers as a primary mild surfactant or to replace part of SLS/SLES.
- Helps reduce irritation, improves foam richness and leaves hair soft, easy to comb and less frizzy.
3. Shower Gel & Body Wash
- Provides rich, creamy lather and a silky skin feel in body wash and shower cream.
- Good choice for premium “amino acid body wash”, sensitive skin and baby body care lines.
4. Syndet Bars & Solid Cleansing Products
- Suitable for syndet bars, facial cleansing bars and shampoo bars that require low irritation and high foam.
- Enhances bar mildness and reduces harshness compared with traditional soap-based bars.
5. Oral & Other Care
- Can be used in oral care, hand wash and intimate wash formulations where high mildness and good foaming are required (final application subject to local regulations). sdyfchem.com+1
For related amino-acid surfactant raw materials, see Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate.
Storage Conditions
- Store in cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse.
- Keep in tightly closed original packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Recommended storage temperature: below 40 °C; avoid prolonged exposure to high temperature or freezing.
- Under proper storage conditions, shelf life is 24 months from production date.
Safety Precautions
Although Cocoyl Glutamic Acid is recognized as a low-irritation amino acid surfactant, it is still an industrial raw material and should be handled with normal chemical safety measures:
- Avoid inhalation of dust and direct contact with eyes or prolonged contact with skin.
- Wear appropriate PPE: gloves, safety glasses and dust mask when handling powder.
- In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- Do not ingest. If swallowed, rinse mouth and seek medical attention.
- Spilled material should be collected mechanically; avoid releasing large quantities into the environment.
- Use only for industrial / cosmetic raw material purposes in permitted applications, not for pharmaceutical or food use unless your local regulations and product registration explicitly allow.
For detailed safety data, our team can provide MSDS/SDS and factory COA on request.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Cocoyl Glutamic Acid CAS 210357-12-3?
A: Cocoyl glutamic acid is an amino-acid-based anionic surfactant precursor made from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid. This CAS identifies the free acid form, which is neutralized during formulation to produce a mild cleansing agent. -
Q:
Why is this supplied as the free acid rather than a neutralized salt?
A: The free acid form allows formulators to choose the neutralizing base, such as potassium hydroxide, arginine or triethanolamine. This provides control over pH, clarity, viscosity and final skin feel in the finished product. -
Q:
What are the main applications?
A: It is used in mild facial cleansers, sulfate-free shampoos, body washes, baby-care products, liquid soaps and other personal-care formulations where low irritation and gentle cleansing are required. -
Q:
Why is cocoyl glutamic acid considered a mild surfactant?
A: It is derived from amino-acid chemistry, is readily biodegradable and typically produces dense but gentle foam. Its mildness makes it suitable for sensitive-skin, baby-care and high-frequency-use products. -
Q:
How should it be incorporated into a formulation?
A: Neutralize the free acid with the selected base in water while mixing, then adjust the final pH to the target range. It is usually combined with amphoteric or nonionic co-surfactants, humectants and viscosity modifiers to build the finished cleansing system. -
Q:
Which grade and packaging are available?
A: The listing is cosmetic/personal-care grade and is supplied in 1 kg aluminum-foil bags or 25 kg fiber drums with an inner PE liner. Other packaging can follow the customer's requirement. -
Q:
What specifications should be checked before ordering?
A: Confirm appearance, acid value, active content, moisture, pH of a reference neutralized solution, heavy metals and microbial limits. Request the current batch analysis, technical data and safety information before purchase. -
Q:
How should cocoyl glutamic acid be stored?
A: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from moisture, heat and incompatible materials. Use dust-control measures and suitable PPE when handling the powder, and follow the safety information.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.
Quotation
Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.
Sample & Supply
Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.
Storage & Shipping
Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.
