We understand that there are more and more people with coconut allergies. For this reason, we did a lot of research trying to find surfactants that are not coconut-based.
Unfortunately, we found it very difficult to obtain information from suppliers about whether or not the surfactants are coconut or palm oil-derived. Many manufacturers avoid palm oil (for environmental reasons), but it seems like coconut oil is still the standard for surfactants.
We did manage to find a few surfactants that were not coconut-based.
The Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation contains a whole module dedicated to the Science of Surfactants. The course focuses on greener options and includes a surfactant chart featuring many surfactants. The table clearly marks the origin of each surfactant so you can see if it's derived from coconut or not.
Below I've listed each surfactant type, how many surfactants we were able to source that are not derived from coconut, and their origin
Surfactant type | How many are coconut-free | Origin |
|---|---|---|
Non-ionic surfactants | 2 | Sugar, Olive oil |
Anionic surfactants | 2 | Apple juice, oats |
Cationic surfactants | 6 | Beetroot, rapeseed, rice, lecithin, honey |
Amphoteric surfactants | 0 |
You can find more about the Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation here: https://www.schoolofnaturalskincare.com/diploma-in-natural-haircare-formulation/
You can download the Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation prospectus here: https://schoolofnaturalskincare.lpages.co/haircare-prospectus/
If you would like to experience it first-hand and sample the course materials and lesson presentations, we offer a free trial, with no obligation to buy. You can sign up for it here: https://school-of-natural-skincare.thinkific.com/enroll/398834