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Moumoujus

CORNAMIDE DEA.

Avoid / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Cornamide DEA is a multi-functional ingredient derived from coconut oil, primarily employed in cosmetic formulations as a surfactant, foam booster, and viscosity modifier. It facilitates the blending of oil and water, stabilizes emulsions, and refines product texture.

Summary

Cleansing Agent Emulsifying Emulsion Stabilising Foam Boosting Surfactant Viscosity Controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

Acting as a surfactant, Cornamide DEA effectively reduces surface tension between compounds, enabling the harmonious mixture of immiscible liquids like oil and water for enhanced cleansing. It also significantly improves foam quality by increasing its volume and stability, and serves as a viscosity-controlling agent to achieve homogeneously thickened formulations. Additionally, its emulsifying properties maintain product stability, preventing ingredient separation, and may offer mild conditioning benefits to the skin and hair.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Red flag below
10%

While Cornamide DEA fulfills its functional roles, its classification as a possible human carcinogen by IARC (Group 2B) and inclusion in California Proposition 65 constitute significant safety red flags. The maximum recommended concentration for leave-on products is 10%, but even within these limits, concerns persist regarding potential N-nitroso compound formation and its high irritation potential.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 9 – 11
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient exhibits stability but is prone to oxidation and becomes unstable when temperatures exceed 31.67°C (89°F). Optimal storage requires protection from direct heat, light exposure, and water saturation.

Conflicts

  • Nitrosating agents (potential formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds)
  • Strong oxidants (risk of burning)

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded Cornamide DEA is safe under specific restrictions: formulations must be non-irritating, free diethanolamine (DEA) levels must be controlled, and it should not be used in products where N-nitroso compounds can form. Despite this, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists Cocamide DEA as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans), and it is recognized under California Proposition 65. The FDA continues its risk assessment, and EWG Skin Deep rates Cornamide DEA with 'HIGH' for use restrictions due to these concerns.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its functional benefits, Cornamide DEA is classified as a possible human carcinogen and carries a high potential for skin irritation, rendering it an unsuitable ingredient for precision skincare formulations.

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