Potassium Cocoate (CAS 61789-30-8)

Potassium Cocoate – Mild Anionic Surfactant from Coconut Oil for Personal Care and Cleaning

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 61789-30-8

• Synonyms: Potassium cocoate, potassium coconut fatty acid salts, coconut oil potassium soap

• Appearance: White to yellowish solid, paste, or viscous liquid (depending on concentration and form)

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water

• Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers at 5–30°C, protected from moisture and light

Overview
Potassium cocoate is the potassium salt of fatty acids derived from coconut oil. It is produced by saponification of coconut oil with potassium hydroxide, yielding a mixture of potassium salts of lauric, myristic, palmitic, and other fatty acids (mainly C12–C18). This mild anionic surfactant is widely used in personal care and household cleaning products due to its excellent foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying properties, combined with low skin irritation potential.

Applications

• Soaps and cleansers: Used as a primary surfactant in liquid soaps, syndet bars, and castile soaps.

• Shampoos and shower gels: Provides gentle cleansing and rich, creamy foam.

• Facial cleansers and body washes: Suitable for sensitive skin formulations.

• Household cleaning: Used in dishwashing liquids, all-purpose cleaners, and laundry detergents.

• Industrial and institutional: Applied in hand soaps and mild cleaning formulations.

Key Benefits

• Mild and non‑irritating – suitable for sensitive skin.

• Good foaming and detergency even in hard water.

• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

• Derived from renewable coconut oil.

• Compatible with other anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants.

• Provides a smooth, non‑greasy after‑feel.

Safety and Handling

• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in cosmetics and personal care.

• Low irritation potential at typical use concentrations (5–30%).

• May cause mild dryness at high concentrations; use with emollients if needed.

• Avoid contact with strong acids, which can release free fatty acids.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) when handling.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for active content, pH, and foaming performance to ensure consistent quality.