Coco Diethanolamide (Cocamide DEA) is a non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids, used in cleansers and shampoos to boost foam, thicken formulas, and stabilize lather. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a skin-treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Can cause mild irritation, particularly in leave-on or high-concentration products. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Documented sensitizer; positive patch-test reactions reported, often occupationally. |
| Eye irritation | Common | Stinging or irritation possible if cleansers contact the eyes. |
| Concern over nitrosamine formation | Rare | DEA-based compounds may form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines if contaminated with nitrosating agents; regulated in some regions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.