Cocoyl Sarcosine

AKA: N-methylglycine, 2-(methylamino)acetic acid, Sarcosinic acid, Methylaminoacetic acid
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut oil fatty acids and the amino acid sarcosine, belonging to the sarcosinates chemical family. Synthesized through amidation of coconut fatty acyl chlorides with sarcosine.
Glycine, N-methyl-, N-coco acyl derivs.
Formula
C3H7NO2
Mol. Weight
89.09
CAS #
68411-97-2
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Moisturizing
Fights Acne
Strengthens Barrier
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Softens and detangles hair
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.01–1%
Rinse-off0.7%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2015 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR