| 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.” (source) |
| 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 (3.3fl oz) |
| Where to Buy it |
Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. Mine is from Mystic Moments. |
Want to compare different surfactants?
Check out my super-useful surfactants table!