Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide and Coconut Fatty Acid Monoethanolamide are nonionic surfactants that are commonly used in personal care and home care products. They are derived from the fatty acids found in coconut oil, which has become one of the most important renewable raw materials for synthesis due to its abundance and affordability. These compounds are widely used in various industries due to their excellent emulsifying, foaming, and stabilizing properties. Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide is a clear liquid, while Coconut Fatty Acid Monoethanolamide comes as a waxy, white flakes.
What is Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide?
Cocamide DEA (short: CDEA) is an effective and non-ionic surfactant with versatile functions and properties, including cleaning, emulsifying, foaming, wetting, and thickening properties. Additionally, it allows for improved product stability as well as a longer shelf-life.
Safety & Regulatory Considerations
FDA Information |
According to the FDA, cocamide DEA is safe for personal hygiene products and cosmetics. |
EU Information |
Cocamide DEA is not included among the ingredients listed as prohibited from use in cosmetic products marketed in the European Economic Community (EEC, 1993). |
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Information |
The CIR Expert Panel concludes that Cocamide DEA is safe as a cosmetic ingredient. These chemicals should not be used in cosmetic products containing nitrosating agents. |
The maximum usage level of Cocamide DEA in the personal care industry as per the CIR is as follows.
Category |
Usage Level |
|
Baby Shampoo and other baby products |
1-5 % | |
Bath oils, Bath tablets, Bath salts |
1-5 % | |
Bubble bath and other bath preparation |
5-10 % | |
Hair conditioners, Permanent waves, Hair shampoo |
1-10 % | |
Blushes and lipstick |
1-5 % | |
Face, body, and hand skin care preparations (excluding shaving preparations) |
1-5 % | |
Shaving cream (aerosol, brushless, and lather) |
0.1-1 % | |
Skin cleansing preparations (cold creams, lotions, liquids, and pads) |
1-5% | |
Hair dyes |
10-25 % |
What is Coconut Fatty Acid Monoethanolamide?
Cocamide MEA acts as an emulsifier, supports the formation of emulsions and improves the stability and shelf life of emulsions. Furthermore, the substance acts as a surfactant and viscosity regulator and foaming agent. Cocamide MEA is an amazing ingredient that has properties very similar to Cocamide DEA. However, it is considered safer than Cocamide DEA. It greatly improves the efficiency of products and may be found in many formulations such as cleansers, body washes, conditioners and scrubs. As a biodegradable compound, it is an environmentally-friendly choice for a variety application.
What is COCAMIDE MEA used for?
Hair care: It is a great foaming agent that improves the texture and feel of hair care products. It easily lifts dirt and oil from the hair and scalp to wash it all away.
Skin care: It acts as an emulsifier that keeps the oil-based and water-based ingredients together in a formulation. Thus, this ingredient improves the consistency and stability of the product
Cosmetic products: As a thickener, it promotes easy application of the products and allows them to last longer. Additionally, Cocamide MEA also provides hydration and moisturization to the skin
Safety profile
Cocamide MEA was reviewed in 1999; the Panel concluded that cocamide MEA is safe as used in rinse-off cosmetic products and safe at concentrations of up to 10% in leave-on products. Cocamide MEA was reported to be used at up to 25% in 1984, but the types of products, that is, rinse-off or leave-on, were not specified It is slightly comedogenic and may cause acne. A patch test is recommended before use, especially for highly sensitive skin.
Sources:
https://www.cir-safety.org/
https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/
https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/