A mild, vegetable-derived surfactant and foaming agent that creates a smooth, clean lather for a gentler brushing experience.
the plant-based surfactant behind Davids clean lather formula
Sodium cocoyl glutamate (SCG) in toothpaste is a surfactant, a naturally derived compound that lowers surface tension between two substances. This allows air to enter the toothpaste solution, causing the foaming action in the toothpaste.
For Davids, an SLS free toothpaste brand, SCG provides a lather that helps toothpaste formulas coat the entire tooth. This helps other beneficial ingredients, such as nano hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, and hydrated silica, to work close to the tooth’s surface, supporting enamel health and gently lifting away surface stains.
Ingredient Spotlight
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what is sodium cocoyl glutamate?Sodium cocoyl glutamate comes from renewable plant sources, specifically the fatty acids from coconut and the fermentation of plant sugars. To manufacture the ingredient, SCG is synthesized using a multistep process:
The sodium cocoyl glutamate in our toothpaste meets EWG VERIFIED® standards, is mild, and suitable for everyday use. It fits the Davids’ vegan, naturally derived, and cruelty-free promise. |
how does it work?SCG has dual-action molecules. Each molecule has a water-loving (hydrophilic) head and a water-fearing (hydrophobic) tail. The tails attach to food debris, oils, and residue on the surface of the teeth. The heads pull these trapped impurities into the water to help rinse them away. That’s not all. Sodium cocoyl glutamate in toothpaste produces a fine, stable foam as it reduces surface tension. This keeps cleaning ingredients suspended and evenly distributed during brushing, helping to push the ingredients into the hardest-to-reach places. |
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why Davids uses itDavids uses SCG because it’s naturally sourced and derived, and effective. It’s gentle on the soft tissues of the mouth, unlike SLS, which can cause irritation. While the foaming action produces a milder lather, it doesn’t alter the effectiveness of the toothpaste. By foaming, SCG helps to push Davids’ other ingredients further across the teeth and gums for a more thorough clean. More than that, however, sodium cocoyl glutamate in toothpaste is what our customers expect. We are a fluoride free, SLS free, cruelty-free, and vegan brand. |
brush smarter with Davids ingredients
Davids is a vegan-friendly brand, focusing on naturally derived and scientifically supported ingredients. The sodium cocoyl glutamate (SCG) in our toothpaste complements our premium ingredient lineup, helping bolster our formulas while maintaining our promise to craft high performance oral care formulas using naturally sourced and derived ingredients. Explore our SLS free toothpastes, and choose ingredients your body can trust.
frequently asked questions
is sodium cocoyl glutamate gentle enough for everyday use?
Yes. Sodium cocoyl glutamate has a gentle profile that is ideal for everyday use. Because it’s an amino acid-based surfactant, it behaves differently from other chemical surfactants. SCG maintains a strong safety rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), confirming the ingredient is safe for regular use.
what is the difference between sodium cocoyl glutamate and SLS?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a synthetic surfactant commonly used in conventional toothpaste. Sodium cocoyl glutamate (SCG) is naturally sourced and derived from coconut oil and plant sugars. Davids uses sodium cocoyl glutamate in its toothpaste because it aligns with the brand’s ingredient standards and EWG VERIFIED® requirements, offering effective foaming without irritating detergents.
is sodium cocoyl glutamate vegan?
Yes. SCG is entirely plant-based. It’s made by combining the fatty acids of coconut oil with glutamic acid from plant sugars. Davids uses SCG because it aligns with its certified vegan and cruelty-free standards. As a Leaping Bunny certified brand, Davids doesn’t use animal testing for its ingredients or products.
is sodium cocoyl glutamate safe for kids?
Yes. SCG is well-suited for everyday family use. With its mild, plant-based profile, it’s often a preferred ingredient in children’s oral care products. Davids uses sodium cocoyl glutamate (SCG) in our toothpaste for these reasons and because it is plant-derived, fitting the brand’s promise of premium naturally sourced, and vegan ingredients. SCG received a level 1 rating from the Environmental Working Group, meaning it is suitable for everyday use.
does sodium cocoyl glutamate in toothpaste affect its effectiveness?
No. While SCG produces a milder lather than other surfactants, it doesn’t reduce the effectiveness of the toothpaste formula. The foaming action helps to distribute the cleaning ingredients, such as nano hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, and hydrated silica, evenly across the gums and teeth, even the hard-to-reach spaces, offering a more thorough and effective brushing.
which Davids toothpastes contain sodium cocoyl glutamate?
Davids doesn’t use SLS or other synthetic surfactants in its products. We use naturally sourced and derived ingredients. SCG is one of those ingredients found in our toothpaste products. We use this ingredient not only to maintain our promise to remain SLS free, but also because of its gentle profile and how it complements our other ingredients.







