DSCA Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (DSCA) is a versatile amphoteric surfactant used in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, liquid hand washes and other personal-care cleansing formulations.

With 50 ± 2% active matter, it offers cleansing, foam-boosting and hair-conditioning functionality. It is particularly useful as a co-surfactant in formulations designed for balanced cleansing performance, rich lather and improved formulation mildness.

USP Highlights

• 50 ± 2% Active Matter — Concentrated liquid amphoteric surfactant

• Foam Boosting — Supports rich lather in cleansing formulations

• Mild Cleansing Support — Suitable for developing gentle surfactant systems

• Versatile Compatibility — Works with selected anionic and nonionic surfactants

• Multiple Applications — For shampoos, face washes, body washes and hand washes

1. Product Information

What Is Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate?

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, commonly abbreviated as DSCA, is an amphoteric surfactant used in cosmetic and personal-care cleansing formulations.

It combines cleansing and foam-enhancing properties with the flexibility to function alongside other surfactants. This makes it a useful ingredient for formulators developing shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, liquid hand washes and mild cleansing systems.

DSCA is frequently incorporated as a secondary surfactant to support foam quality, improve the sensory characteristics of cleansing systems and contribute to formulation mildness.

Its recognised cosmetic functions include cleansing, foam boosting, hair conditioning and hydrotropy.

Ingredient Identity

2. Benefits

Effective Cleansing

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate helps remove oils, dirt and other impurities from the skin and hair through surfactant action. It can be incorporated into cleansing systems designed for different performance and sensory requirements.

Enhanced Foam and Lather

DSCA contributes to foam generation and can enhance lather characteristics when combined with compatible primary surfactants. It is useful in formulations where foam performance is an important part of the cleansing experience.

Supports Mild Cleansing Systems

As an amphoteric surfactant, DSCA is useful in developing cleansing systems where mildness is a formulation priority. Its contribution depends on the complete surfactant combination, concentration and finished-product characteristics.

Hair-Conditioning Functionality

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is recognised for its hair-conditioning function, making it relevant to shampoo and other rinse-off hair-cleansing formulations.

Flexible Surfactant Compatibility

DSCA can be formulated with selected anionic and nonionic surfactants, offering flexibility in developing different cleansing systems.

Formulation and Viscosity Support

In compatible surfactant combinations, DSCA may contribute to viscosity development and help formulators optimise product texture and handling characteristics.

3. Applications

Shampoos and Hair Cleansers

Used in daily-use shampoos, mild shampoos and other hair-cleansing systems to support cleansing, lather and hair-conditioning functionality.

Baby Shampoo Formulations

A relevant amphoteric surfactant for developing mild baby-shampoo systems where surfactant selection and finished-product tolerability are important.

Facial Cleansers and Face Washes

Suitable for foaming facial cleansers, gel face washes and other rinse-off facial-cleansing formulations.

Body Washes and Shower Gels

Supports cleansing and foam performance in liquid body-cleansing products.

Liquid Hand Washes

Can be incorporated into hand-cleansing formulations to contribute to lather, cleansing and formulation performance.

Bubble Baths and Bath Cleansers

Provides surfactant and foam-boosting functionality in suitable bath formulations.

Shaving Cleansing Products

Can be evaluated in foaming shaving and pre-shave cleansing systems.

Pet Shampoos

Also used in suitable pet-cleansing formulations where an amphoteric co-surfactant is required.

4. How to Use

Typical Usage Rate

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is used at different concentrations depending on the product category, primary surfactant system and desired cleansing performance.

Its concentration should be selected according to the intended application and the active-matter content of the commercial material.

Phase of Addition

Incorporate during the aqueous surfactant phase of the formulation.

Formulation Compatibility

DSCA can be combined with selected anionic and nonionic surfactants in shampoos, face washes, body washes and other aqueous cleansing products.

Its effect on foam, viscosity and overall cleansing performance depends on the complete formulation.

pH Considerations

The supplied material has a pH specification of 8.00–9.50 when measured as a 10% aqueous solution.

The finished formulation's pH is adjusted according to its intended application and overall ingredient system.

Processing Considerations

Add with suitable mixing during surfactant-system preparation. Assess viscosity, foam characteristics and product stability during formulation development.

5. Pairs Well With

Decyl Glucoside

A nonionic surfactant that can be combined with Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate in cleansing systems where balanced surfactant performance and mildness are formulation priorities.

Coco Glucoside

A nonionic surfactant suitable for developing amphoteric–nonionic cleansing systems, including shampoos and body washes.

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

An anionic cleansing surfactant that can be evaluated alongside DSCA for foam and cleansing performance in personal-care formulations.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

An amphoteric co-surfactant used in cleansing systems to support lather and surfactant-system performance.

Glycerin

A humectant commonly used in aqueous cleansing products to support moisturising formulation design.

Citric Acid

A pH-adjusting ingredient used to achieve the required finished-product pH.

6. Claims You Can Make

For your label and marketing

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate supports the development of products positioned around:

• Mild cleansing

• Rich, foaming lather

• Everyday hair and body cleansing

• Sulphate-free cleansing systems

• Gentle facial cleansing

These are ingredient-supported formulation directions. Finished-product claims such as gentle, mild or suitable for sensitive skin depend on the performance and testing of the complete formulation.

For your formulator brief

INCI: Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate

Ingredient Category: Amphoteric Surfactant

Active Matter: 50 ± 2%

Recognised Cosmetic Functions:

• Cleansing

• Foam Boosting

• Hair Conditioning

• Hydrotropy

Formulation Role: Primary or secondary surfactant, depending on the cleansing system.

Applications: Shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, liquid hand washes and other rinse-off cleansing formulations.

Compatibility: Suitable for evaluation with selected anionic and nonionic surfactants.

7. Technical Specifications

Storage

Store in a dry storehouse at the recommended temperature of 0–40°C.

Documentation

Certificate of Analysis (COA) available on request.