INGREDIENTS
SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE
Sodium cocoyl glutamate is a mild vegetable-based surfactant (foaming ingredient) derived from from coconut or palm kernel oil and glucose from corn. It is recognized as a natural ingredient by the Natural Product Association, the first certification body to develop standards for natural and organic products.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Sodium cocoyl glutamate is used as a surfactant, or foaming agent. It may also serve as an emulsifier, helping oil based and water based ingredients to stay mixed. In our Botanical Line of toothpastes sodium cocoyl glutamate in combination with lauryl glucoside is used to properly disperse the ingredients, and ensure easy rinsing and removal of debris (ie. food particles).
HOW IS IT MADE?
Our Stewardship Model guides us to select ingredients which have been processed in a manner that supports our philosophy of human and environmental health.
To form the sodium cocoyl glutamate ingredient, a coconut/palm kernel oil derivative is combined with monosodium glutamate, which is made by the fermentation of glucose from corn.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?
Most toothpastes, including most of Tom's of Maine toothpastes, use sodium lauryl sulfate as the surfactant. At Tom's of Maine, our sodium lauryl sulfate is naturally derived from coconut and/or palm kernel oil. Sodium lauryl sulfate has a long history of safe use in a variety of consumer personal care products, including toothpaste. See more information on sodium lauryl sulfate
IS THIS THE RIGHT OPTION FOR ME?
There are no known risks associated with the use of sodium cocoyl glutamate.
Although Tom's of Maine recognizes that no two people are alike, and even with naturally derived ingredients, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction that is unique to them. As with any product, be sure to discontinue use if you experience discomfort or other indications that the product may not be appropriate for your individual body chemistry.