murphyCoconut Acid
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Coconut Fatty Acid, Coconut Oil Acid, Coconut Free Fatty Acid
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Acid
Not Clean
OriginNative to Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, India. Derived from coconut oil, a botanical fat from the Arecaceae family grown in Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. Produced through saponification or hydrolysis of coconut oil to create fatty acids.
Fatty acids, coco
CAS #
61788-47-4
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 507)
Not Phototoxic (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients; not tested individually (CIR 507)
Eye Irritant in Testing
3 studies / 3 irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 181 and 577)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 181)
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off0.03–14%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2008 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR