Cocamide Diethanolamine (Cocamide DEA) is a nonionic surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids, used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to enhance foaming, thicken formulations, and act as an emulsifier. It functions as a base formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Reported as a contact allergen, particularly with occupational and frequent exposure. |
Skin and eye irritation | Uncommon | May cause mild irritation, especially in leave-on or high-concentration products. |
Concern over nitrosamine contamination | Rare | Can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines if combined with nitrosating agents; flagged in regulatory assessments. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.