Cocamide MEA
Nonionic surfactant and foam thickener made from coconut fatty acids and monoethanolamine. Improves texture and foam density in shampoos and body washes.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Cocamide MEA is a non-ionic surfactant and foam thickener, the product of coconut-oil fatty acids (mostly lauric) reacting with monoethanolamine (MEA). Used as an auxiliary in cleansing products. Where applied. Shampoos, shower gels, facial washes, liquid soap. Concentration 0.5-5%. Role – improve foam density and stability, raise formula viscosity. Works alongside main anionic surfactants (SLS, SLES, cocamidopropyl betaine). In Spain – in mass shampoos Nivea, Pantene, Pert Plus, Babaria. Evidence base. Functional ingredient. No direct clinical efficacy. Role – improve organoleptics and texture. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at <10%. SCCS imposed no restrictions. Allergic reactions are rare. Above 10% skin irritation is possible. DEA and nitrosamine controversy. Cocamide MEA may contain diethanolamine (DEA) and nitrosamine impurities from manufacturing – potential carcinogens. EU REACH since 2018 limits DEA content to <0.5% in cosmetic ingredients. In quality pharmacy cosmetics the risk is minimal. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage. Brief contact, minimal absorption. Suitable for. Universal as an auxiliary surfactant in rinse-off products. Atopics and eczema patients – choose "sulfate- and cocamide-free" formulas (e.g. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet, Bioderma Atoderm Crème Lavante).
Frequently asked questions
Is Cocamide MEA safe during pregnancy?
Cocamide MEA is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cocamide MEA for?
Cocamide MEA suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Cocamide MEA and what does it do in cosmetics?
Nonionic surfactant and foam thickener made from coconut fatty acids and monoethanolamine.
What's the INCI name for Cocamide MEA?
The INCI name is Cocamide MEA. It may also appear as: Cocamide Monoethanolamide.
See Cocamide MEA in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
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