Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed-Pea Protein
A gentle, plant-derived surfactant made by binding coconut fatty acids to hydrolysed pea protein — cleanses while depositing amino acids onto the hair shaft.
- Origin
- Coconut + yellow pea (Pisum sativum)
- Process
- Enzymatic hydrolysis + acylation
- Dose
- Every wash
- Family
- Amino-acid surfactants
- Part used
- Coconut fatty acids + yellow-pea protein hydrolysate
- — Pea protein hydrolysate
- — Coconut fatty acid esters
About
Ultra-mild sulfate-free cleanser. The pea-protein fraction is small enough to enter the cortex, filling porosity gaps and strengthening the fibre from within.
What it does
- Cleans without stripping the scalp
- Deposits amino acids into the cortex
- Reduces breakage and split ends
History & heritage
Amino-acid surfactants emerged in Japan in the 1970s as a response to the harshness of sulfate detergents that had dominated shampoos since the 1930s. Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed-Pea Protein is a more recent, plant-based evolution — combining sustainably grown yellow pea protein with coconut-derived fatty acids to create one of the mildest, most substantive cleansers in modern cosmetic chemistry. Widely adopted in premium haircare after 2010 for its ability to clean and simultaneously repair the fibre.
Traditional uses through history
- 01Modern replacement for sulfate detergents
- 02Standard cleanser in colour-treated hair systems
- 03Vegan alternative to keratin and silk-protein cleansers
Hydrolysed pea protein has a molecular weight low enough (typically 1,000–10,000 Daltons) to penetrate the hair cortex during the wash. Once inside, the peptides plug porosity gaps caused by heat, colour and mechanical damage, measurably increasing tensile strength and reducing breakage. Acylation with coconut fatty acids gives the molecule its cleansing power while retaining biocompatibility with the scalp.
How it actually works
Cleans without stripping
The fatty-acid tail lifts sebum and product residue while the protein head keeps foam gentle and pH-balanced.
Rebuilds the cortex
Small pea peptides diffuse into damaged areas of the shaft and reinforce internal bonds.
Locks in colour and moisture
By sealing porosity, it slows the leaching of dye molecules and internal humidity.
Best for
Exceptional safety profile. Gluten-free, vegan, biodegradable and suitable for the most sensitive scalps.
- — Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
- — Panthenol
