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Moumoujus

PEG-5 COCAMIDE.

Insufficient Data CAS 68425-44-5 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-5 Cocamide is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifying agent derived from coconut oil fatty acids, primarily utilized for its ability to reduce surface tension and stabilize emulsions. It also functions as a foam booster and cleansing agent in various cosmetic formulations. While it may offer some humectant properties, its primary role is functional within the product formulation.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant cleansing foam stabilizer foam booster detergent wetting agent dispersing agent solubilizer humectant

Science

Mechanism of Action

PEG-5 Cocamide operates by decreasing the surface tension between oil and water, facilitating the creation of stable emulsions. As a non-ionic surfactant, it acts as a detergent, wetting agent, and solubilizer. It can also enhance foaming properties and stabilize foam. Though it is a polyethylene glycol derivative, its low molecular weight means it minimally penetrates healthy skin; however, it may subtly improve the absorption of other ingredients by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Conflicts

  • Avoid use on broken skin due to potential concerns.
  • Manufacturers must implement procedures to limit impurities such as 1,4-dioxane and primary amines.
  • Should not be formulated into products where N-nitroso compounds could potentially form.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel issued an 'Insufficient Data Announcement' in 2018 for alkoxylated fatty amides, including PEG-5 Cocamide, preventing a full safety determination. While some earlier reports indicated CIR and FDA approval for general use (excluding broken skin), current assessments emphasize significant concerns regarding potential impurities inherent to PEG compounds, such as ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane, PAHs, lead, iron, and arsenic. Manufacturers are specifically advised to minimize 1,4-dioxane and primary amine impurities and to prevent its use in formulations where N-nitroso compounds could be generated.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Insufficient Data

While offering various functional benefits as a surfactant and emulsifier with low irritancy, the 'insufficient data' CIR status and critical concerns regarding potential impurities and N-nitroso compound formation necessitate a cautious approach.

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