Ingredient review

Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine

INCI: Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine

A mild, coconut-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made from coconut oil and the amino acid glycine. It helps wash away makeup, oil, and grime while being much less harsh than traditional soaps or sulfates. Because it’s mild, it’s a favorite in products for sensitive or dry skin.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine is a modified amino acid surfactant. It’s created by reacting coconut fatty acids with glycine and then adding acetyl and carboxymethyl groups to improve its cleansing and conditioning properties.

How it works

In a cleanser, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. The tail grabs onto dirt and oil on your skin, while the head helps rinse everything away with water. Its gentle structure means it doesn’t disrupt the skin’s protective barrier as much as harsher cleansers.

Pros

Very gentle on skin

Its amino acid structure makes it one of the mildest cleansing agents, reducing the risk of irritation, redness, or dryness after washing.

Conditioning feel

Unlike many cleansers that leave skin tight, this ingredient helps maintain a soft, smooth feel by not stripping away too many natural oils.

Cons and cautions

Less effective on heavy makeup

If you wear long-wear or waterproof makeup, you may need a double-cleanse routine because this mild surfactant alone might not break down stubborn products.

Higher cost

Products formulated with this ingredient are often priced higher than those using conventional sulfates, which can be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.

Best for

  • People with dry or sensitive skin
  • Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known coconut oil allergy (rare)

Usage tips

Use in a double-cleanse routine: follow an oil-based cleanser with a product containing this ingredient for a thorough yet gentle wash.
Look for it in sulfate-free and “gentle” labeled cleansers if you have reactive or eczema-prone skin.

Safety summary

Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are very rare.

Research notes

Amino acid surfactants like this one are well-studied for their mildness and skin compatibility. While specific studies on this exact compound are limited, the broader class is supported by dermatological research showing reduced barrier disruption compared to traditional soaps.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–15% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics globally; listed in the EU CosIng database and considered safe at typical concentrations by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel.
Common uses
Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Micellar waters
Environmental note
Derived from coconut oil, a renewable resource, and is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable choice compared to some petroleum-based surfactants.

Good to know

  • It is often combined with other mild surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine to boost foam and cleaning power.
  • The “cocoyl” part refers to coconut oil, so it is plant-derived and generally considered eco-friendly.

Common questions

What is Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine in beauty products?

This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made from coconut oil and the amino acid glycine. It helps wash away makeup, oil, and grime while being much less harsh than traditional soaps or sulfates. Because it’s mild, it’s a favorite in products for sensitive or dry skin.

What does Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine do in a beauty product?

In a cleanser, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. The tail grabs onto dirt and oil on your skin, while the head helps rinse everything away with water. Its gentle structure means it doesn’t disrupt the skin’s protective barrier as much as harsher cleansers.

Is Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine safe for most people?

Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are very rare.

Who should be careful with Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine?

Individuals with known coconut oil allergy (rare)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety of Amino Acid SurfactantsOpenEU CosIng Database – Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl GlycineOpenPubMed – Mild Surfactants for Sensitive SkinOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.