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COCOMIDE MEA
Cocamide MEA, or cocamide monoethanolamine, is a solid, off-white to tan compound, often sold in flaked form. The solid melts to yield a pale yellow viscous clear liquid. It is a mixture of fatty acid amides which is produced from the fatty acids in coconut oil when reacted with ethanolamine. Lauramide MEA is the main component of cocamide MEA.
Made by mixing the fatty acids from coconut oil and monoethanolamine (MEA). It comes in the form of a waxy, white substance. It may also contain small amounts of Cocamide DEA.
Appereance: Solid, off-white to tan compound, often sold in flaked form.
Chemical and physical properties: A volatile colorless or amber colored liquid with a fine coco smell.
Uses:
- Foaming agent, surfactant, emulsifying agent
Cocamide MEA and other cocamide ethanolamines such as cocamide DEA are used as foaming agents and nonionic surfactants in shampoos and bath products, and as emulsifying agents in cosmetics. Cocamie MEA is a nonionic surfactant, suitable for shampoos, shower and bath preparations and skin cleansers.
Cas No.: 69227-24-3
EC No.: 931-330-1
IUPAC name: N-(2-hydroxyethyl) dodecanamide
Formula: CH3(CH2)nCONHCH2CH2OH
SYNONYMS:
N-(2-HYDROXYETHYL)DODECANAMIDE, 142-78-9, Lauramide MEA, N-Lauroylethanolamine, Laurylethanolamide, Amisol LDE, Copramyl, Lauric monoethanolamide, Dodecanamide, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-, Vistalan, Lauric acid monoethanolamide, Ultrapole H, Comperlan LM, Cyclomide LM, Lauridit LM, Rolamid CM, Stabilor CMH, Crillon LME, Lauric ethylolamide, Steinamid L 203, Rewomid L 203, Laurylamidoethanol, Lauroyl-EA, Lauroyl monoethanolamide, Amisol LME, N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)lauramide, Lauric acid ethanolamide, 2-Dodecanamidoethanol, Lauric acid monoethanolamine, Lauryl ethanolamide, Lauroyl-ethanolamine, Lauric N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amide, N-(dodecanoyl)ethanolamine, N-(Dodecanoyl)-ethanolamine, Dodecylethanol amide, UNII-098P2IGT76, Lauryl monoethanolamide, C14H29NO2, Monoethanolamine lauric acid amide, 68140-00-1, CHEBI:85263, 098P2IGT76, CCRIS 4834, HSDB 5644, EINECS 205-560-1, Incromide LCL, Mackamide LMM, Ablumide LME, Amides, coco, N-(hydroxyethyl), Hartamide LMEA, Lauroylethanolamide, NAE, Stabilor C.M.H., Crillon L.M.E., Alkamide L-203, dodecanoyl ethanolamide, 1:1 Cocamide MEA, 1:1 Lauramide MEA, Coconut monoethanolamide, N-dodecanoylethanolamine, Coconutoil monoethanolamide, Empilan LME (Salt/Mix), Lauramide-MEA (1:1), Lauric acid, monoethanolamide, SCHEMBL679082, CHEMBL246914, Cocomonoethanolamide (Salt/Mix), LAURICACIDMONOETHANOLAMIDE, DTXSID5025493, N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)dodecaneamide, CTK6D8789, Dodecanamide, N-2-hydroxyethyl-, KS-00000GH9, LMFA08040041, MFCD00020561, ZINC43587537, AKOS010638882, CS-W022897, DS-2807, MCULE-3793069187, lauric acid monoethanolamide, AldrichCPR, AK116392, FT-0625582, ST45022023, Z4160, M-8399, W-109078, Q27158443, UNII-3VVG2UI23S component QZXSMBBFBXPQHI-UHFFFAOYSA-N, UNII-C80684146D component QZXSMBBFBXPQHI-UHFFFAOYSA-N, 8028-85-1
IUPAC NAMES:
Amides, C8-18 (even numbered) and C18-unsatd, N-(hydroxyethyl), Amides, C8-18 (even numbered) and C18-unsatd., N-(hydroxyethyl), Amides, C8-18 (even numbered) and C18-unsatd., N-(hydroxyethyl), Amides, C8-18 (even numbered) and C18-unsatd., N-(hydroxyethyl) (abbreviated C8-18 and C18-unsatd. MEA), Amides, C8-18 and C18-unsatd. (even numbered), N-(hydroxyethyl), Amides, C8-18 and C18-unsatd., N-(hydroxyethyl), C8-18 and C18-unsatd. MEA, Cocamide MEA, Cocoamide MEA, Monamid KO
TRADE NAMES:
CMEA, PALMOCOL, PURTON CFM, PURTON CFM/F, PURTON CM/20, PEARLAGENT 2000/I, PEARLAGENT 200O/G, PEARLAGENT 2014, ROLAMID CM, SABOAMID CME, SABOAMID MEC
Cocamide MEA:
Cocamide MEA is a mixture of ethanolamides of Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Acid. It conforms generally to the formula: RCONHCH2CH2OH, where RCO- represents the fatty acids derived from Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil.
Cocamide MEA is a non-ionic surfactant from the group of monoethanolamides. It is produced on the basis of natural coconut oil. Contrary to monoethanolamide produced on fatty acids, it additionally contains glycerin. Used in body and hair cleansers as a foam stabilizer and viscosity regulator; in washing powders and toilet cubes.
A thick, waxy, white substance derived from coconut oil. It's a surface active agent (surfactant) used when its thickening qualities and opaque nature are required.
Cocamide ethanolamines are used as foaming agents and cationic surfactants in shampoos and bath products, and as emulsifying agents in cosmetics.Cocamide MEA increases foaming capacity and/or stabilizes foam. Cocamide MEA is also used to thicken the aqueous portion of cosmetic and personal care products.Cocamide MEA is a pale yellow viscous clear to amber liquid, or solid flakes. It is made from fatty acids found in coconut oil, reacted with monoethanolamine.Cocamide MEA is a mixture of ethanolamines of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and may also contain small amounts of Cocamide Diethanolamine.
According the the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, Cocamide MEA is “a compound synthesized from coconut oils and ethanolamine.” This chemical compound is used in many personal care products claiming to be “natural” due to their use of coconut oil.
Cocamide MEA, or cocamide monoethanolamine, is a solid, off-white to tan compound, often sold in flaked form. The solid melts to yield a pale yellow viscous clear liquid. It is a mixture of fatty acid amides which is produced from the fatty acids in coconut oil when reacted with ethanolamine. Used as foaming agents and nonionic surfactants in shampoos and bath products, and as emulsifying agents in cosmetics. Mainly used in shampoos, shower gels, foam baths, liquid soaps, hand wash, shave preparations.
In the past, cocamide DEA was a common alkanolamide for viscosity building and foam stability, and some formulators still use it. It is a liquid material and has balanced properties for viscosity building as well as stabilizing the foam. Higher chain amides such as oleamide DEA will generally build higher viscosities (on an equal active basis) than its coco counterpart but the foam stability will not be as good as that obtained by cocamide DEA. Some formulators use cocamide MEA to avoid the DEA. Cocamide MEA will generally build somewhat higher viscosities than cocamide DEA, but not as high as oleamide DEA. The foam stability provided by cocamide MEA is comparable to that provided by cocamide DEA. Cocamide MEA is a waxy solid and requires heat to make the finished product.
Boiling Point: 200-220°C
Density: 1.082 g/cm3
Melting Point: 60-64°C
Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 68° F (NTP, 1992)
Function:
Pearlizer wax, thickener
Use:
Surfactant preparations, pearlizing agent
Application:
Baby Care and Cleansing Conditioning Face Cleansing Hair Coloring Liquid Soap Shampoo Shower/Bath Products
Works as a thickener, foaming agent and emulsifier. Its functions are very similar to those of Cocamide DEA. Its mainly used to thicken and opacify a cosmetic formulation, and also works to enhance the properties of the main cleansing ingredient contained in a surfactant, most often a bath product like conditioner or body wash.
Found in: Soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners and dyes, lotions, shaving creams, paraffin and waxes, household cleaning products, pharmaceutical ointments, eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blush, make-up bases, foundations, fragrances, sunscreens…
Cocamide MEA is classified as:
• Emulsifying
• Emulsion stabilising
• Foam boosting
• Surfactant
• Viscosity controlling
Nonionic surfactants are surface active agents which do not dissociate into ions in aqueous solutions, unlike anionic surfactants which have a negative charge and cationic surfactants which have a positive charge in aqueous solution. Nonionic surfactants are more widely used as detergents than ionic surfactants because anionic surfactants are insoluble in many hard water and cationic surfactants are considered to be poor cleaners. In addition to detergency, nonionic surfactants show excellent solvency, low foam properties and chemical stability. It is thought that nonionic surfactants are mild on the skin even at high loadings and long-term exposure. The hydrophilic group of nonionic surfactants is a polymerized alkene oxide (water soluble polyether with 10 to 100 units length typically). They are prepared by polymerization of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide in the same molecule. Depending on the ratio and order of oxide addition, together with the number of carbon atoms which vary the chemical and physical properties, nonionic surfactant is used as a wetting agent, a detergent, or an emulsifier. Nonionic surfactants include alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, phenol ethoxylates, amide ethoxylates, glyceride ethoxylates (soya bean oil and caster oil ethoxylates), fatty acid ethoxylates, and fatty amine ethoxylates. Another commercially significant nonionic surfactants are the alkyl glycosides in which the hydrophilic groups are sugars (polysaccharides).
Typically commercial coconut fatty acid has carbon chain composition of; C10 (5% max) + C12 (45 - 55%) + C14 (20 - 25%) + C16 (10 - 15 %) + C18 (10 - 15% max, including unsaturated fatty acids). Cocamide is an amide mixture of coconut fatty acids. Cocamides are manufactured by condensation of alkanolamines (mono-, di-, or triethanolamine) and coconut fatty acid. Examples are cocamide MEA (cocamide monoethanolamine), cocamide DEA (cocamide diethanolamine) and cocamide TEA (cocamide triethanolamine). They have the physical and chemical characteristics of alcohols, amines and long carbon chains in one molecule. Alkanolamides are nonionic surfactants impart excellent viscosity enhancing and foam stabilization in anionic based systems like hand washing liquids, shampoos, body cleansers and other personal care products. They act as lubricant agent, thickening agent and wetting agent. Their very good emulsifying property also provides applications in the field of pharmaceuticals, agricultural preparations, and textile processing; rust inhibiting, latex stabilizing, anti-static function in textiles, dye-leveling, waterproofing and water-in-oil additives as well as very good emulsifying.
What Is It?
Cocamide MEA is derived from the fatty acids from coconut oil and monoethanolamine (MEA). In cosmetics and personal care products, Cocamide MEA is used in the formulation of bath soaps and shampoo.
It is a cleansing agent whose main thing is adding viscosity and foam to cleansing formulas.
Chemically speaking, it is the little sister of Cocamide DEA and they have similar properties. However, being a monoethanolamine instead of diethanolamine has the advantage that the nitrosamine-concern does not apply for Cocamide MEA.
Cocamide MEA is a mixture of ethanolamines of fatty acids derived from coconut oil. This cosmetic ingredient functions as a surfactant—foam booster and an aqueous viscosity-increasing agent. To supplement the available data on Cocamide MEA, data from previous safety assessments of Coconut Oil and its derivatives, Monoethanolamine (MEA), and Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamine) were included in this safety assessment. These data suggest little acute, short-term, or chronic toxicity associated with dermal application. MEA vapor, however, is highly toxic. Although DEA is readily nitrosated to form N-nitrosodiethanolamine, a known animal carcinogen, MEA has not been found to form a stable nitrosamine. Dermal application of Cocamide MEA at concentrations of 50% was nonirritating to mildly irritating in animal tests. For comparison, Cocamide DEA at a concentration of 30% was a moderate irritant; Coconut Oil was nonsensitizing; and MEA was irritating and corrosive. Cocamide MEA was negative in the Ames Test. Cocamide DEA was positive in some mutagenesis assays, but negative in others. In clinical tests, Cocamide MEA at a concentration of 50% was not irritating in a single-insult patch test. Cocamide DEA at 2% in formulation caused irritation, but not sensitization. Predictive patch tests with a surfactant containing Cocamide DEA at 10% produced no adverse effects. Inhalation of MEA by humans is toxic. Based on the limited data available data on Cocamide MEA, and on the data on those ingredients previously reviewed, particularly Cocamide DEA, it was concluded that Cocamide MEA is safe as used in rinse-off products and safe at concentrations up to 10% in leave-on products. It was further concluded, however, that Cocamide MEA should not be used as an ingredient in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds are formed or in formulations that will be aerosolized.
Cocamide MEA is a foaming agent used in shampoos, bath products and cosmetics. As a foaming agent, it is used to help a product create a foamy consistency.
Cocamide MEA is highly demanded in market for detergents because they have excellent moisture decontamination abilities and have resistance to hard water. It is also widely used as foaming agents and as emulsifying agents in cosmetics.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Cocamide MEA increases foaming capacity and/or stabilizes foam. Cocamide MEA is also used to thicken the aqueous (water) portion of cosmetic and personal care products.
Application of the substance:
Cocamide is used in the cosmetic industry as a component of bathing oils, shampoos, hair conditioners, lipsticks and hair paints, as a frothing agent in producing soap and detergents. as a coloring enhancer in the processing of fabrics, and as corrosion inhibitor in aqueous, semi-synthetic and synthetic liquids to process metals and polishing agents. Cocamide MEA increases foaming capacity and/or stabilizes foam whereby we use it in some of our shampoos. Cocamide MEA is also used to thicken the aqueous (water) portion of cosmetic and personal care products. In Hair colorants we use this material as pH adjuster.
Functions:
Works as a thickener, foaming agent and emulsifier. Its functions are very similar to those of Cocamide DEA. Its mainly used to thicken and opacify a cosmetic formulation, and also works to enhance the properties of the main cleansing ingredient contained in a surfactant, most often a bath product like conditioner or body wash.
While its foaming capabilities are not directly responsible for cleansing the skin/hair, it allows the hands to efficiently work and spread the cleanser/shampoo across the surface, which in turn, helps the mechanical removal of dirt. It also provides excellent moisturization and conditioning to the hair/skin. This ingredient is most often used in opaque and syrupy cosmetic formulations such as hair dye, body wash, conditioner, dandruff treatment, liquid hand soap, cleanser, exfoliant/scrub, bubble bath and bath oil.
Scientific Facts:
Cocamide MEA (or Cocamide Monoethanolamine) is a pale yellow viscous clear to amber liquid, or solid flakes. It is made from fatty acids found in coconut oil, reacted with monoethanolamine. Cocamide MEA is a mixture of ethanolamines of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and may also contain small amounts of Cocamide Diethanolamine (Cocamide DEA).
Cocamide MEA is a mild nonionic surfactant intended for use in personal care and cosmetic products, household washing and cleaning preparations as a wetting agent, foam booster and stabilizer, hair/fibre softener, antistatic and re-fatting agent, perfume fixing agent, solubilizer of components hardly miscible with water, efficient dispersant and both w/o and o/w emulsifier promoting detergency of the product.
Enhancing the viscosity of a foaming cosmetic formulation has both marketing and technical reasons. A rich appearance will be correlated by end users with high concentration and so gives them the impression that they get value for money. Thickening also has an advantage in applying the product: low viscous liquids are difficult to apply to hair and skin; more viscous products will not run off the hands too easily. In formulation development and optimization, a thickened formulation can allow keeping heterogeneous solutions in a stable equilibrium and simplifies the design of suitable packaging.
Ability of Cocamide MEA to increase viscosity of alkyl ether sulfates (Spolapon products), alkyl sulfates (Syntapon products) and amphoteric surfactants (Flavol products) in detergent formulations even at small dosages is utilized for thickening in all formulations where presence of inorganic salts is undesirable. Cocamide MEA is stable in all acidic, neutral and moderately alkaline environments and it is compatible with hard waters as well as any other types of surfactants. Unlike DEA alkanolamides it is 99% biodegradable and far less irritating to eyes and skin.
Such properties make Cocamide MEA suitable for use in shampoos, bubble baths, liquid soaps, liquid laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids etc.
Both cocamide DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) are widely used to thicken the water phase of cosmetics, keep ingredients blended, and boost foaming properties. Derived from plants (typically coconut oil) or made synthetically, these ingredients have been thoroughly evaluated for safety and are permitted for use in leave-on products in concentrations up to 10%. Cocamide DEA can react with other ingredients to form harmful substances known as nitrosamines. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Board, “To prevent the formation of possibly [harmful] nitrosamines, these ingredients should not be used in cosmetics and personal care products containing nitrosating agents.”
Cocamide DEA is used to increase the foam volume in your product whilst feeling more luxurious. Widely used in Shampoo products, Liquid hand Wash, Washing up liquids, and cleaning Gel bases. It also exhibits high electrolyte tolerance and therefore improves the performance of many surfactants in hard water.
Industry Uses:
• Agricultural chemicals (non-pesticidal)
• Surface active agents
• Viscosity adjustors
• EPA Chemicals under the TSCA
• Curing Activator
• Solids separation agents
• Surface active agents
• Viscosity adjustors
Consumer Uses:
This substance is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, polishes and waxes, air care products, pharmaceuticals and perfumes and fragrances.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners).
• Agricultural products (non-pesticidal)
• Cleaning and furnishing care products
• Fabric, textile, and leather products not covered elsewhere
• Intermediate for surfactant use
• Laundry and dishwashing products
• Personal care products
• EPA Chemicals under the TSCA
• Cleaning and furnishing care products
• Fabric, textile, and leather products not covered elsewhere
• Laundry and dishwashing products
• Lubricants and greases
• Non-TSCA use
• Personal care products
• Pet Care/Veterinary
• Rubber Tires
What is Cocamide MEA & DEA?
Made by mixing the fatty acids from coconut oil and monoethanolamine (MEA) or diethanalomine (DEA) these compounds come in two forms. C-MEA is a white and waxy substance and C-DEA is an often clear liquid, but both are used by cosmetic and personal hygiene manufactures as a foaming or thickening agent in soaps and body wash, shampoos, and other cosmetics.
Why is it used in cosmetics?
While it is not the ingredient responsible for cleansing, its foaming properties allows the hands to efficiently spread the soap or shampoo on the skin/ scalp which assists in removing dirt and buildup.
Cocamide MEA & DEA is most often used in opaque and syrupy cosmetic formulations such as hair dye, shampoo, body wash, dandruff treatment, liquid hand soap, cleansers, exfoliant/scrub, and bubble bath.
Salons and their customers rely on research and development to be in the forefront of providing safer, natural and organic ingredients in our formulations and products.
Inhalation of Cocamide MEA in aerosol products by humans is toxic, but based on limited data MEA is considered safe when used in rinse-off products and in small concentrations up to 10% in leave-on products.
Although the Food & Drug Association (FDA) website states that, "at the present time there is no reason for consumers to be alarmed based on the use of these substances [Cocamide DEA and other ingredients that also contain DEA] in cosmetics," they also list that while these compounds are safe for beauty products and personal hygiene, they DO NOT regulate the levels of those ingredients.
Cocamide MEA is a surface active agent (surfactant). MEA is used when its thickening qualities and opaque nature are required. Cocamide MEA supports the action of the main surfactants in a shampoo, shower gel or any foaming product.
All surfactants are partly water-soluble and partly oil-soluble. The surfactant molecules organise into a structure that can trap oil-based dirt from hair, allowing it to be rinsed away. Foam is not responsible for removing dirt, but it allows the hands to work shampoo through the hair. This helps the mechanical removal of grease.
Cocamide DEA is an ingredient used in many personal care products to enhance and stabilise foam formationii. It is a skin eye and respiratory tract irritantiii and is classified as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer)iv. Cocamide DEA is made from the reaction of coconut oil and Diethanolamine. It is this DEA which is a cause for concern as it can be present it its free un-reacted form as an impurity in Cocamide DEA solutionsv, as well as have the ability to form highly carcinogenic nitrosamines
Cocamide MEA is a special compound made from the fatty acids of coconut oil and monoethanolamine or MEA. This compound is typically used as a main ingredient in soaps, shampoos and skin care products.
Cocamide MEA is colored pale yellow to clear amber and may even be seen as partially solid in the form of flakes. It can also be called, Coconut fatty acid monoethanolamide, amides, coco, coco fatty acid amide and many more industrial names.
Cocamide MEA is purely made from fatty acids that are derived from coconut oils which are reacted with monoethanolamine. It is basically a mixture of ethanolamines which may also contain minute amounts of Cocamide Diethanolamine or Cocamide DEA. The review body that approved the safety of Cocamide MEA is the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; they have added that the use of this chemical in various rinse-off products is safe while leave on products with Cocamide MEA is up to 10%.
The use of Cocamide MEA in ancient times was not heard of but the use of the coconut was considered a staple in many countries and cultures. The coconut was used as a food source, with the meat eaten raw or roasted while the water or juice drank to cleanse the body from digestive ailments. The coconut husk was used as a type of fuel.
During modern times, Cocamide MEA was considered a safe and effective chemical as an ingredient in many skin care and hair care products. The property of Cocamide MEA to foam up and thicken water based cosmetic products is also seen as an important factor.
This chemical is also a common ingredient found in emulsions like shaving creams, gels and skin care products. Since Cocamide MEA is derived from coconuts, it is seen as an ingredient that can make hair healthier, thicker, shinier, and more manageable. It can even be an effective ingredient in the treatment of some hair conditions like dandruff, scalp itching and the thinning of the hair.
It can also be a part of hand soaps, hand sanitizers, bath products and moisturizers. As compared to its chemical counterpart Cocamide DEA, Cocamide MEA is milder and has therapeutic effects. Cocamide DEA has the ability to irritate skin and may cause contact dermatitis in people with skin allergies and asthma.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, or CIR, has considered Cocamide MEA to be safe. It is non irritating and may not pose as a risk as a rinse off product. However, people with extra sensitive skin should take special care in using products with Cocamide MEA since it can also contain Cocamide DEA in minute amounts. Consult a dermatologist for a better skin care regimen if you have extra sensitive skin.
Infants and toddlers must also take extra care in the use of skin care products with Cocamide MEA. A dermatologist can also advise on ideal skin care products for a baby's sensitive skin.
Cocamide MEA is found in most makeups so it is important for people with sensitive skin to try a small sample as a skin test before regular use.
This ingredient may contain traces of Cocamide DEA, which according to the FDA may lead to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. The CIR Expert Panel has acknowledged that MEA can react with an aldehyde to form DEA, which then can be nitrosated. They also note that MEA vapor is highly toxic, but do not consider this significant since there is no vapor that arises from Cocamide MEA. Furthermore, this ingredient does not appear to be a sensitizer, and in clinical tests, it was not irritating at a concentration of 50% in a single-insult patch test. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data surrounding Cocamide MEA and concluded that it was safe for use in rinse-off products and safe at concentrations up to 10% in leave-on products.
Cocamide MEA is a thick, waxy and white substance derived from coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids. Cocamide MEA is a surface active agent (surfactant). MEA is used when its thickening qualities and opaque nature are required. Cocamide MEA supports the action of the main surfactants in a shampoo, shower gel or any foaming product. Cocamide MEA is a special compound made from the fatty acids of coconut oil and monoethanolamine or MEA. This compound is typically used as a main ingredient in soaps, shampoos and skin care products. Cocamide MEA is colored pale yellow to clear amber and may even be seen as partially solid in the form of flakes. It can also be called, Coconut fatty acid monoethanolamide, amides, coco, coco fatty acid amide and many more industrial names. We use cocamide MEA in our thicker shampoos to cleanse and revive lifeless hair. It supports the action of the main surfactants in a shampoo, shower gel, or other foaming cleansing product. Cocamide MEA is a foaming agent used in shampoos, bath products and cosmetics. As a foaming agent, we use Cocamide MEA to help a product create a foamy consistency. A solid flakes. It can be made from fatty acids in coconut oils. Cocamide is used as a foaming agent and cationic surfactant in shampoos and bath products, and as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics. Cocamide MEA, or cocamide monoethanolamine, is a solid, off-white to tan compound, often sold in flaked form. The solid melts to yield a pale yellow viscous clear to amber liquid. It is a mixture of fatty acid amides which is produced from the fatty acids in coconut oil when reacted with ethanolamine. Cocamide MEA and other cocamide ethanolamines such as cocamide DEA are used as foaming agents and nonionic surfactants in shampoos and bath products, and as emulsifying agents in cosmetics. C-MEA belongs to the class of nonionic surfactants, is used for enhancing foam stability and viscosity response at low levels of electrolytes, suitable for use in the manufacture of shampoos, face-washing preparations, personal hygiene & baby care preparations & hair treatment product. Cocamide MEA is a special compound made from the fatty acids of coconut oil and monoethanolamine or MEA. This compound is typically used as a main ingredient in soaps, shampoos and skin care products. Cocamide MEA increases foaming capacity and/or stabilizes foam. Cocamide MEA is also used to thicken the aqueous (water) portion of cosmetic and personal care products. It can also be called Coconut fatty acid monoethanolamide, amides, coco, coco fatty acid amide and many more industrial names. All surfactants are partly water-soluble and partly oil-soluble. The surfactant molecules organise into a structure that can trap oil-based dirt from hair, allowing it to be rinsed away. Foam is not responsible for removing dirt, but it allows the hands to work shampoo through the hair. This helps the mechanical removal of grease. Modern surfactants give a thick, rich foam and cleanse the hair, dissolving grease effectively. As a result, your hair is left in great condition, full of body and shine. Both cocamide DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) are widely used to thicken the water phase of cosmetics, keep ingredients blended, and boost foaming properties. Derived from plants (typically coconut oil) or made synthetically, these ingredients have been thoroughly evaluated for safety and are permitted for use in leave-on products in concentrations up to 10%. Cocamide DEA can react with other ingredients to form harmful substances known as nitrosamines. Cocamide MEA suits opaque, thick formulae, as it increases product viscosity.
Made by mixing the fatty acids from coconut oil and monoethanolamine (MEA). It comes in the form of a waxy, white substance. It may also contain small amounts of Cocamide DEA. Works as a thickener, foaming agent and emulsifier. Its functions are very similar to those of Cocamide DEA. Its mainly used to thicken and opacify a cosmetic formulation, and also works to enhance the properties of the main cleansing ingredient contained in a surfactant, most often a bath product like conditioner or body wash. Made by mixing the fatty acids from coconut oil and monoethanolamine (MEA). It comes in the form of a waxy, white substance. It may also contain small amounts of Cocamide DEA. Works as a thickener, foaming agent and emulsifier. Its functions are very similar to those of Cocamide DEA. Its mainly used to thicken and opacify a cosmetic formulation, and also works to enhance the properties of the main cleansing ingredient contained in a surfactant, most often a bath product like conditioner or body wash.
While its foaming capabilities are not directly responsible for cleansing the skin/hair, it allows the hands to efficiently work and spread the cleanser/shampoo across the surface, which in turn, helps the mechanical removal of dirt. It also provides excellent moisturization and conditioning to the hair/skin. This ingredient is most often used in opaque and syrupy cosmetic formulations such as hair dye, body wash, conditioner, dandruff treatment, liquid hand soap, cleanser, exfoliant/scrub, bubble bath and bath oil.
This ingredient may contain traces of Cocamide DEA, which according to the FDA may lead to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. The CIR Expert Panel has acknowledged that MEA can react with an aldehyde to form DEA, which then can be nitrosated. They also note that MEA vapor is highly toxic, but do not consider this significant since there is no vapor that arises from Cocamide MEA. Furthermore, this ingredient does not appear to be a sensitizer, and in clinical tests, it was not irritating at a concentration of 50% in a single-insult patch test. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data surrounding Cocamide MEA and concluded that it was safe for use in rinse-off products and safe at concentrations up to 10% in leave-on products.
Cocamide MEA is "a compound synthesized from coconut oils and ethanolamine." This chemical compound is used in many personal care products claiming to be "natural" due to their use of coconut oil. However, this compound is not coconut oil in the way you or I might think of it, in fact, it appears as as a waxy, white substance and often works as a foaming agent. Cocamide MEA is derived from the fatty acids from coconut oil and monoethanolamine (MEA). In cosmetics and personal care products, Cocamide MEA is used in the formulation of bath soaps and shampoo. Cocamide MEA increases foaming capacity and/or stabilizes foam. Cocamide MEA is also used to thicken the aqueous (water) portion of cosmetic and personal care products. Cocamide MEA (or Cocamide Monoethanolamine) is a pale yellow viscous clear to amber liquid, or solid flakes. It is made from fatty acids found in coconut oil, reacted with monoethanolamine. Cocamide MEA is a mixture of ethanolamines of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and may also contain small amounts of Cocamide Diethanolamine (Cocamide DEA). Applications: Used in shaving creams and gels. Also used in hair care products, hand soaps, hand sanitizers, bath products, and moisturizers.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
This ingredient may contain traces of Cocamide DEA, which according to the FDA may lead to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. The CIR Expert Panel has acknowledged that MEA can react with an aldehyde to form DEA, which then can be nitrosated. They also note that MEA vapor is highly toxic, but do not consider this significant since there is no vapor that arises from Cocamide MEA. Furthermore, this ingredient does not appear to be a sensitizer, and in clinical tests, it was not irritating at a concentration of 50% in a single-insult patch test. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data surrounding Cocamide MEA and concluded that it was safe for use in rinse-off products and safe at concentrations up to 10% in leave-on products. Swallowing small quantities of cocamide during the normal use does not cause any harmful effects. Swallowing bigger quantities can be harmful.
