Cocamide DEA (cocodiethanolamide) is a nonionic surfactant derived from coconut oil fatty acids, used in cleansers and shampoos to boost and stabilize foam and increase viscosity. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation possible, especially in leave-on or high-concentration formulations. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Documented sensitizer in patch-test studies, more notable in occupational/hairdressing exposure. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Stinging or irritation on accidental ocular contact in rinse-off products. |
Nitrosamine contamination concern | Rare | DEA-based ingredients can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines if combined with nitrosating agents; regulated/restricted in some regions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.