CAS#: 61789-31-9
CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers are unique identifiers assigned to every chemical substance, ensuring accurate identification across the industry.
What is it?
Sodium cocoate is a naturally derived surfactant made from the sodium salts of fatty acids found in coconut oil. This plant-based cleaning agent is biodegradable and renewable, making it a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based surfactants commonly found in conventional detergents.
What does it do?
Sodium cocoate functions as a primary surfactant in our detergent formulations, meaning it reduces the surface tension of water to allow better penetration into fabric fibers. This action helps lift dirt, oils, and stains from textiles, suspending them in the wash water so they can be rinsed away. As a coconut oil-derived surfactant, sodium cocoate is particularly effective at removing organic stains while being gentle on fabrics and skin.
How is it made?
Sodium cocoate is produced through a process called saponification, where coconut oil (containing natural fatty acids) is combined with sodium hydroxide. This chemical reaction creates the sodium salts of coconut fatty acids—the active cleaning agents in sodium cocoate. The result is a plant-based surfactant derived entirely from renewable resources.
Safety & Certifications
Sodium cocoate meets the stringent safety standards required for EPA Safer Choice certification:
- EPA Safer Choice Approved: Pre-approved ingredient meeting EPA's criteria for human health and environmental safety
- Plant-Based & Renewable: Derived from coconut oil, not petroleum
- Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally in the environment
- Readily Available: Produced from sustainable coconut farming
- EWG Verified: Meets Environmental Working Group's strictest standards for health and transparency
All Heritage Park detergents containing this ingredient are both EPA Safer Choice Certified and EWG VERIFIED®, providing independent, third-party validation of safety.
What product is this ingredient in?
All-Purpose Detergents:
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Fragrance-Free
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Shore Breeze
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Lavender Mist
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Spring Magnolia
Silk & Wool Detergents:
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Fragrance-Free
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Lavender Mist
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Spring Magnolia
Specialty Detergents:
* Not yet EPA Safer Choice Certified or EWG VERIFIED