Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

MEA-COCOATE.

Valuable CAS 66071-80-5 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

MEA-Cocoate, also known as Cocamide MEA, is a versatile fatty acid amide derived from coconut oil. It primarily functions as a surfactant, foam booster, and viscosity enhancer, contributing to improved texture and stability across a wide range of cosmetic formulations.

Summary

Surfactant/Cleansing Foam Boosting Emulsifying Viscosity Controlling Foam Stabilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, MEA-Cocoate acts as a surfactant, effectively reducing surface tension to allow water and oil-based impurities to mix and be rinsed away, thereby facilitating gentle cleansing. It helps to stabilize emulsions, ensuring a consistent product texture, and can build viscosity in aqueous systems. Some evidence suggests it supports skin hydration by cleansing without compromising the skin's natural lipid barrier.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1–10%
Optimal

5-10% (activity ratio with anionic surfactants)

Key findings

  1. 01 A single-insult patch test demonstrated no irritation at a 50% concentration.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient maintains stability across acidic, neutral, and moderately alkaline environments; aqueous solutions typically present a pH between 8.5 and 10.5. It is compatible with hard water and various surfactant types, exhibiting solubility in water (especially warm water and at concentrations above 10%) and miscibility with fatty compounds.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants
  • Hard water

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating agents (to prevent N-nitroso compound formation)
  • Formulations intended for aerosolization (due to potential inhalation toxicity concerns)

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deems MEA-Cocoate safe in rinse-off products at all concentrations tested (up to 50% was non-irritating) and safe at concentrations up to 10% in leave-on products. Crucially, it must not be used in formulations that could lead to the formation of N-nitroso compounds or in aerosolized products due to potential inhalation toxicity concerns related to monoethanolamine. The SCCS also imposes restrictions related to nitrosamines.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

MEA-Cocoate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, safely enhancing cleansing, foaming, and formulation stability in rinse-off and leave-on products when used within specified concentration limits and avoiding nitrosating agents.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…