ZINC COCETH SULFATE (Zinc coceth sulfate) – function in cosmetics

A zinc salt of an ethoxylated coconut alcohol sulfate, used as a surfactant, regulated in Annex III.

What it is

Zinc coceth sulfate is the zinc salt of sulfated, ethoxylated coconut fatty alcohols, with an average of one to four ethylene oxide units. CosIng lists it as a cleansing agent and as an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant. In the EU it is covered by the Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) entry for water-soluble zinc salts, with limits that differ by product type.

Where it is used

Found in shampoos, shower gels and other cleansing products.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits; according to the Annex III entry, they are expressed as zinc and depend on the product type.

Functions

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – emulsifying

Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

EU regulation

EU · Annex III, entry 24Water-soluble zinc salts with the exception of zinc 4- hydroxy-benzene sulphonate (entry 25 of Annex III)

Product type: (a) Toothpaste intended for users above 1 year of age (b) Toothpaste intended for children between 6 months and 1 year of age (c) Mouthwash intended for users above 6 years of age (d) Other products
Maximum concentration: (a) 1 % (as zinc) (b) 0,72 % (as zinc) (c) 0,1 % (as zinc) (d) 1 % (as zinc)
As of: 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2026/909