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

TEA-PEG-3 COCAMIDE SULFATE.

Questionable CAS 73246-94-3 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - HYDROTROPE

TEA-PEG-3 Cocamide Sulfate is a chemically modified derivative of coconut oil primarily functioning as a surfactant. It enhances product distribution, facilitates cleansing by forming foam, and stabilizes oil-water mixtures.

Summary

surfactant/cleansing foaming solubilizer emulsifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates by reducing interfacial tension, allowing for efficient removal of dirt, oil, and buildup from the skin, effectively cleaning and foaming. Beyond cleansing, it acts as a solubilizer, capable of dissolving other substances without chemical reaction, and as an emulsifier, stabilizing blends of otherwise immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, within a formulation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data suggests this ingredient is commonly 'dusted' or presents specific dusting concerns.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

While a precise optimal pH range for TEA-PEG-3 Cocamide Sulfate's stability is not detailed, chemically similar cocamide and sulfate ingredients typically maintain stability across a broad pH spectrum, generally ranging from 4.5 to 11.0. As a sulfate, it exhibits water solubility.

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating agents (due to the Triethanolamine (TEA) component's potential to form nitrosamines)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deems related ingredients safe for use when formulated to be non-irritating. However, the presence of Triethanolamine (TEA) in TEA-PEG-3 Cocamide Sulfate raises a concern as it can act as a precursor for N-nitrosamine formation if combined with N-nitrosating agents. Therefore, such combinations must be strictly avoided. Formulations should also be designed to minimize hydroperoxide formation. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) reinforces the need for precautions against nitrosamine formation in cosmetic products. The FDA has not explicitly reviewed this specific ingredient. Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes 'high' use restrictions and significant contamination concerns, particularly regarding toxic impurities like 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. Additionally, respiratory issues may arise if used in inhalable product forms (e.g., sprays).

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While effective as a cleansing and foaming agent with low direct skin irritancy, its complex safety profile, including potential for nitrosamine formation and contamination concerns, necessitates rigorous formulation control, rendering it a questionable choice for precision skincare.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…