Cocamide is a fatty acid amide derived from coconut oil, used in cleansers and shampoos as a surfactant, foam stabilizer, and viscosity-increasing agent. It helps create lather and improves the texture of rinse-off and wash products.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation possible, particularly in leave-on or high-concentration formulations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Cocamide-based surfactants such as cocamidopropyl betaine are recognized contact allergens; reactions often linked to manufacturing impurities. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or redness on direct ocular contact in cleansing products. |
| Dryness or barrier disruption | Rare | Prolonged or frequent use may contribute to skin dryness due to surfactant action. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.