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Moumoujus

COCAMIDE MEA.

Valuable CAS 68140-00-1 / EMULSION STABILISING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Cocamide MEA is a nonionic, coconut-derived surfactant that serves multiple functional roles in skincare formulations, including enhancing lather, stabilizing emulsions, and adjusting viscosity. Beyond its textural contributions, it provides gentle cleansing and conditioning benefits, supporting the skin's natural lipid barrier for a soft, smooth feel.

Summary

Emulsifying Emulsion Stabilising Foam Boosting Surfactant Viscosity Controlling Conditioning Cleansing

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a nonionic surfactant, Cocamide MEA functions by reducing surface tension between oil and water, facilitating stable emulsions and effective cleansing. It acts as a foam booster, significantly improving the lathering capabilities and stability of cleansing products. Additionally, it serves as a thickening agent to achieve desired product viscosity. On the skin, it contributes to gentle cleansing, conditioning, and moisturizing, helping to maintain the skin's natural lipid layer, resulting in a softer and smoother feel.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 9.3 – 10.5
0 7 14

Stability

Cocamide MEA demonstrates stability across acidic, neutral, and moderately alkaline pH ranges, with a 10% aqueous solution maintaining a pH between 9.3 and 10.5. Its low water solubility supports its effectiveness in enhancing the texture and stability of emulsions. It achieves optimal performance when combined with anionic surfactants at a 5-10% activity ratio and can effectively build viscosity in formulations with sodium chloride.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants (for enhanced foam and performance)
  • Sodium chloride (for viscosity building)

Conflicts

  • Nitrosating agents (due to potential formation of N-nitroso compounds/nitrosamines)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Cocamide MEA is safe for rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations up to 18%, and safe in leave-on products at concentrations up to 10%, provided formulations are non-irritating. A critical restriction involves avoiding use in products where N-nitroso compounds could form due to reactions with nitrosating agents. While INCIDecoder rates its irritancy as low, some sources note it can act as a mild skin and eye irritant, recommending a patch test for highly sensitive individuals. The U.S. FDA indicates no perceived risk to consumers from cosmetic ingredients that might contain residual DEA (a related compound). Cocamide MEA is listed on the EU's cosmetic ingredient inventory (CosIng) without specific restrictions under general provisions.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Cocamide MEA is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, primarily for its formulation benefits in cleansing and emulsion products, providing gentle conditioning and texture enhancement when used within established concentration limits and away from nitrosating agents.

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