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Moumoujus

PEG-20 COCAMINE.

Valuable CAS 61791-14-8 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-20 Cocamine is an ethoxylated fatty amine recognized for its multifunctional properties in cosmetic formulations. It primarily acts as a surfactant, emulsifier, and cleansing agent, while also offering benefits as a solubilizer and an antistatic component.

Summary

Surfactant Emulsifying agent Cleansing agent Antistatic agent Solubilizer Humectant Penetration enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions by significantly lowering the surface tension between immiscible phases, such as oil and water, facilitating their uniform dispersion and effective cleansing. As a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative, it possesses humectant properties, forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules to enhance skin moisture retention and mitigate evaporative water loss. Furthermore, PEG-20 Cocamine can serve as a penetration enhancer, potentially improving the dermal absorption of other active compounds in topical applications.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Conflicts

  • Requires careful formulation to ensure non-irritating properties.
  • Potential for impurities such as 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, by-products of ethoxylation.
  • Risk of nitrosamine formation, particularly in formulations containing primary or secondary amines.
  • Possibility of cross-sensitization with other PEG derivatives, including PEG ethers and fatty acid esters, due to structural similarities.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used with restrictions
Sensitization risk Moderate

The CIR Expert Panel initially found data insufficient in 1999; however, a comprehensive 2015 safety assessment concluded that PEG Cocamine ingredients are safe for cosmetic use under current practices, provided they are rigorously formulated to be non-irritating. This supersedes previous findings. Critical formulation considerations include diligently minimizing process impurities like 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, and preventing the formation of nitrosamines from residual amines. While no specific maximum concentration is defined numerically, safety is contingent upon the final formulation's non-irritating profile.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-20 Cocamine is a valuable functional ingredient for its diverse roles as a surfactant, emulsifier, and cleanser, provided its formulation strictly adheres to non-irritating standards and addresses impurity considerations.

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