What is it?
Cocamide DEA is a liquid non-ionic liquid surfactant made from coconuts. It helps boost foam, thicken surfactant blends, and condition the hair.
INCI
Cocamide DEA
Appearance
Pale yellow liquid
Usage rate
“The CIR Expert Panel concluded that Cocamide DEA was safe as used in rinse-off products and safe at concentrations of less than or equal to 10% in leave-on products.”
Scent
Characteristically detergent-y
Active surfactant matter
Varies by product; mine is 85%
Approximate Melting Point
Liquid at room temperature
pH
8.5–11 at 1% (varies by product)
Charge
Non-ionic
Solubility
Water
Why do we use it in formulations?
Cocamide DEA helps boost the foam in our formulations, thicken surfactant blends, and condition the hair.
Do you need it?
No.
Refined or unrefined?
Cocamide DEA only exists as a refined product.
Strengths
Good thickener and foam booster.
Weaknesses
Harder to find, depending on where you live.
Alternatives & Substitutions
I’d try a different non-ionic liquid surfactant, like one of the glucosides. This may result in a thinner product, depending on the formulation, so you may have to adjust the formulation to get the desired final viscosity.
How to Work with It
Include Cocamide DEA in the surfactant/water phase of your formulations. Cocamide DEA can be hot or cold processed.
Storage & Shelf Life
Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry,
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks
Cocamide DEA and Cocamide MEA are not the same.
Recommended starter amount
100mL
Where to Buy it
posted on
November 21, 2021