Herbology Softan GCP-30 (Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate) is a premium quality, cosmetic grade amino acid based mild anionic surfactant, produced by the condensation of coconut fatty acids with glycine (the simplest amino acid) followed by potassium salt neutralization, yielding a gentle, skin compatible, and biodegradable surfactant with exceptional mildness and cleansing performance. Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate belongs to the acyl glycinate family of amino acid surfactants, one of the most advanced and skin friendly classes of surfactants available in modern cosmetic formulation, derived entirely from natural coconut oil and amino acid sources. It is the preferred primary or co surfactant for premium sulfate free, natural, and sensitive skin formulations where the harshness of conventional anionic surfactants (SLS, SLES) is unacceptable.
Softan GCP-30's mildness is derived from its amino acid structure: the glycine head group is naturally present in human skin proteins and has an inherent biocompatibility with skin that synthetic surfactant head groups lack. Its isoelectric point (the pH at which it carries no net charge) is close to the natural pH of skin (pH 4.5 to 5.5), meaning it interacts minimally with skin proteins and lipids at physiological pH, producing significantly less irritation than conventional anionic surfactants. Its foam profile produces a dense, creamy, and aesthetically premium lather that is characteristic of amino acid surfactants and is highly valued in luxury personal care formulations. Its biodegradability and natural origin make it the preferred surfactant for certified natural, organic, and eco-friendly formulations. As a mild anionic surfactant, it is compatible with anionic, non ionic, and amphoteric surfactants, and can be used as a primary surfactant in ultra mild formulations or as a co surfactant to enhance the mildness of SLES or SLS based systems.
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Glycine Amino Acid Biocompatibility glycine head group is naturally present in skin proteins; isoelectric point close to skin pH minimizes protein and lipid interaction for exceptional mildness
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Sulfate Free Ultra Mild Cleansing gentle, non stripping cleansing that maintains skin's natural moisture balance; ideal for sensitive skin, daily use, and baby care formulations
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Dense Creamy Premium Foam characteristic amino acid surfactant lather; dense, creamy, and aesthetically superior to conventional surfactant foam
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Natural and Biodegradable coconut oil and glycine derived; readily biodegradable; suitable for certified natural, organic, and eco-friendly formulations
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Broad Surfactant Compatibility compatible with anionic, non ionic, and amphoteric surfactants; use as primary surfactant or mildness enhancing co surfactant
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Skin pH Compatible isoelectric point close to skin's natural pH 4.5 to 5.5 for minimal skin protein disruption and superior skin compatibility
Formulation Guidelines
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Recommended use level: 5 to 15% as primary surfactant in ultra mild formulations; 3 to 8% as co surfactant in SLES or SLS based systems for mildness enhancement
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Active content: Approximately 30% active Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
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Phase: Add to water phase at room temperature to 40 degrees C with gentle mixing
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pH range: Optimal performance at pH 5.0 to 6.5; adjust with citric acid or lactic acid
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INCI Name: Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
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Compatible with: SLES, CAPB, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, non ionic surfactants, and most cosmetic ingredients
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Applications: Sulfate free face washes, premium shampoos, baby shampoos, sensitive skin body washes, luxury shower gels, and natural certified cleansing formulations
Tip
The gold standard sulfate free face wash formulation uses Softan GCP-30 (8 to 10%) as the primary mild anionic surfactant, CAPB (3 to 4%) as the amphoteric co surfactant for foam enhancement and additional mildness, and sodium PCA or glycerin (3 to 5%) as a humectant, adjusted to pH 5.5 with citric acid. This combination delivers the optimal balance of gentle cleansing, premium foam, and skin feel that defines luxury sulfate free facial cleansers, and is the formulation approach used in many of the most successful premium face wash products globally.
