Coconut Diethanolamide (Cocamide DEA)
What is it?
Cocamide DEA is a chemical derived from coconut oil used primarily as a foaming agent and emulsifier in skin and hair care products, but can also be found in products used in the industrial setting.
How can I avoid it?
Skin contact with cocamide DEA is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing cocamide DEA should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is not enough information on the label, ask your retailer or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.
Used in:
- Cooling fluids
- Dishwashing liquids
- Hydraulic mining oil
- Manufacture of coconut oil
- Metal working fluids
- Pharmaceuticals
- Agricultural preparations
- Textile processing
- Rust inhibitors
- All-purpose cleaners
- Laundry detergents
- Sanitizers
- Personal care products
- Baby products
- Barrier creams
- Bath and body cosmetics
- Cleansing products (creams, lotions, liquids, and pads)
- Deodorants
- Hair colorants
- Handwashing liquids and gels
- Makeup
- Permanent hair waves
- Shampoos, hairsprays
- Shaving cream
Other names for cocamide DEA:
- Coconut diethanolamide
- Amides, Coco, N,N-Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)-
- N,N-Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)Coco Amides
- N,N-Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)Coco Fatty Acid Amide
- Coco Amides, N,N-Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)-
- Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide
- Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide (1:2 type)
- Cocoyl Diethanolamide
- Diethanolamine Coconut Fatty Acid Condensate
Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
- Other amidoamines
- Other coconut derivatives
MC4999-85/Rev 05-2025
