Zinc Coceth Sulfate
Anionic surfactant from coconut feedstock with zinc as the counter-ion. Cleanses and foams, milder than plain lauryl sulfate thanks to ethoxylation. Sits in the cleansing base of gels and shampoos. No standalone skin effects, pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Dry, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Zinc Coceth Sulfate is an anionic surfactant. The base comes from coconut fatty alcohols that are ethoxylated and sulfated, with zinc rather than sodium or ammonium as the counter-ion. INCI: Zinc Coceth Sulfate. In a formula it works as a cleansing and foaming agent. The ethoxylate segment makes the molecule milder than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): it strips less and irritates less at the same concentration. It appears in face washes, shampoos, and body products, usually paired with amphoteric co-surfactants. Use levels depend on the product format. Pregnancy safety. The product rinses off, skin contact is brief, and systemic absorption through intact skin is negligible. No teratogenicity data of concern. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Tolerance. Irritation potential is low to moderate and depends on concentration and contact time. Frequent washing with strong anionic surfactants disrupts the barrier in dry and sensitive skin, so those types should judge the mildness of the whole cleansing base rather than one ingredient. The zinc in the name does not make the ingredient therapeutic: it is a counter-ion, not an active zinc form for sebum control. The substance has no proven standalone effects; it is a working cleansing agent in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zinc Coceth Sulfate safe during pregnancy?
Zinc Coceth Sulfate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Zinc Coceth Sulfate for?
Zinc Coceth Sulfate suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: dry, sensitive.
Can Zinc Coceth Sulfate irritate the skin?
Zinc Coceth Sulfate has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
What is Zinc Coceth Sulfate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Anionic surfactant from coconut feedstock with zinc as the counter-ion.
What's the INCI name for Zinc Coceth Sulfate?
The INCI name is Zinc Coceth Sulfate.
See Zinc Coceth Sulfate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni 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.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Zinc Ricinoleate, Zinc Stearate, 4-Terpineol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera, Yellow 11 (CI 47000), i-Menthol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Sodium Carrageenan
Published: · updated: