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Moumoujus

PEG-4 COCAMINE.

Optional CAS - / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-4 Cocamine is a polyglycol ether of cocoamine, primarily recognized for its surfactant and antistatic properties in cosmetic formulations. This ingredient also demonstrates the ability to enhance the dermal penetration of other active compounds, making it functionally versatile.

Summary

Emulsifying Agent Solubilizing Agent Cleansing Agent Foam Booster Antistatic Agent Penetration Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions principally as a surfactant, aiding in the emulsification of oil and water phases, improving cleansing efficacy, and boosting foam generation. Additionally, it confers antistatic benefits to formulations. As a polyethylene glycol derivative, PEG-4 Cocamine can also facilitate the absorption of other substances into the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 In human clinical assessments, PEG-15 cocamine, a close structural analog, did not induce sensitization when incorporated at a 1.0% concentration in a hair styling product involving 212 subjects.
  2. 02 Further studies indicated that PEG-15 cocamine, at a 2.9% concentration within an adult sunscreen formulation, similarly showed no sensitizing potential across 201 participants.
  3. 03 However, other analog research classified PEG-2 cocamine as a moderate cutaneous irritant and PEG-15 cocamine as a mild cutaneous irritant.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Specific optimal pH range or dedicated stability data for PEG-4 Cocamine are not detailed. A related, though distinct, ingredient (PEG-4) has a 10% solution pH range of 4.6 to 7.4.

Conflicts

  • Must not be used in formulations intended for application on damaged or compromised skin due to documented instances of systemic toxicity and contact dermatitis associated with PEG-based topical treatments in such conditions.
  • Formulations must mitigate the potential for nitrosamine formation, particularly when primary or secondary amines are present as impurities.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
20%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that PEG-4 Cocamine, through read-across assessments from related ingredients, is safe for use in cosmetic formulations under current practices and concentrations, provided the final product is formulated to be non-irritating. This assessment superseded a previous conclusion of insufficient data. A critical restriction is its contraindication on damaged skin, where PEG-based topical ointments have been linked to systemic toxicity and contact dermatitis, particularly in burn patients. Formulators must also account for potential impurities, including 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide (by-products of ethoxylation), and prevent the formation of nitrosamines in formulations containing primary or secondary amines.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

While offering functional benefits as a surfactant and penetration enhancer, PEG-4 Cocamine is an optional ingredient that requires strict adherence to formulation guidelines to prevent irritation and address potential impurities.

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