Mixture of coconut oil fatty acids (lauric, myristic, palmitic, etc.). Raw material for soaps and surfactants.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Base raw material for cleansing formulas. Inert before saponification, gives soaps after.
Coconut Acid is a mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids isolated from coconut oil. Composition: lauric (45-50%), myristic (18-20%), palmitic (10%), capric (6-8%), caprylic (6-7%), oleic (5-7%), stearic (2-3%), linoleic (1-2%). Raw material for soaps, surfactants, emollients. Where applied. Not used as a standalone cosmetic ingredient. Used as intermediate for sodium cocoate (sodium soap), cocamidopropyl betaine, coco-glucoside, cocoyl isethionate and other derivatives. In finished products it appears rarely – more often in artisan and craft soap as a "natural" component. Mechanism. Free fatty acids on skin form soaps (Na, K salts) – mild surfactants. Lauric acid has antimicrobial action against Cutibacterium acnes (shown in vitro in culture). Evidence base. Functional ingredient (raw material). No direct clinical efficacy on skin – depends on what it is processed into. Solid-soap controversy. Coconut soap (Sodium Cocoate) is one of the more drying soaps due to a high share of short-chain fatty acids (lauric, capric, caprylic). pH 9-10, disrupts the skin acid mantle. Not recommended for the face, especially in atopy, eczema, rosacea, sensitive skin. Alternatives – olive-oil soap (sodium olivate), shea butter (sodium shea butterate), almond (sodium almondate) – milder. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. Coconut soap above 50% active fraction can cause dryness and peeling, especially on the face. Allergic reactions are rare. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage. Suitable for. Healthy body skin with normal barrier. For the face and sensitive skin – choose soaps based on other oils or syndets (synthetic cleansing bars).
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Coconut Acid is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Coconut Acid suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
Mixture of coconut oil fatty acids (lauric, myristic, palmitic, etc.).
The INCI name is Coconut Acid. It may also appear as: Cocoa Fatty Acids.
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Suitable for