Cocamide DEA

Updated: February 14th, 2010

*QUESTIONS*	*ANSWERS*
*What is this chemical?*	It is a viscous amber or yellow liquid made by reacting fatty acids from coconut oils with diethanolamine. It is on the list of indirect food additives.
*What is its purpose?*	It is used as a foaming agent in bath products like shampoos and hand soaps, and in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent. Cocamide DEA is also used in soaps, metalworking fluids, and polishes as a surfactant and corrosion inhibitor.
*Where is it found?*	shampoo body wash/cleanser facial cleansers dandruff/scalp treatment bubble bath liquid hand soap hair color and bleaching hair relaxer bath oil/salts/soak exfoliant/scrub paper and paperboard

HEALTH CONCERNS

Is this chemical a carcinogen? No.

How can it affect me?

Products containing 10% or less are considered safe in leave on products.

To better understand the DEA aspect of this chemical, please read our articles on both Diethanolamine (DEA) and Nitrosamines.

Are there controversial issues? None found.