Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate

AKA: Coconut Alaninate, Coconut Amino Acid Derivative

Allergen Warning

⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)

Synthetic

Cleanser

Skin Conditioner

Hair Care

Amino Acid

Plant Oil

Clean

l-Alanine, N-coco-acyl derivatives, sodium salts

CAS #

90170-45-9

Form

Liquid

Functions

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

Anti-Inflammatory

Antimicrobial

Fights Acne

Lifts away dirt and oil

Softens and detangles hair

Traditional Use

A modern amino acid-based surfactant developed in the late 20th century from coconut oil and the amino acid alanine. Created as a mild, biodegradable cleansing agent for premium skincare products.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR