What is cocamide DEA and where is it found?

Cosmetics and kitchen detergents would not be so effective if not for numerous synthetic additives. They make the preparations foam more strongly and have strong cleaning properties. Among the many substances that improve the performance of cosmetics and household chemicals, you will also find cocamide DEA . What is this substance and what is it used for?

What is cocamide DEA and what is it used for?

Cocamide DEA (otherwise known as cocamide diethylamine) is a synthetic ingredient that is formed as a result of the reaction of fatty acids from coconut oils with diethylamine. It is a viscous liquid with a white color and not very thick consistency or a wax-like solid. It is reluctant to combine with fats, it is not soluble in water.

Cocamide DEA has a universal effect, typical for surfactants:

• regulates the viscosity of the product,
• increases the foaming of cosmetics,
• effectively lubricates dry epidermis, effectively rebuilds the hydrolipid barrier,
• works antistatically,
• cleanses the skin of dirt that accumulates on it every day (e.g. sweat, dust, sebum).

Cocamide DEA is also an emulsifier. It increases the stability of the product, the amount and quality of the foam and has a positive effect on the consistency of cosmetics (it is the so-called rheology modifier).

Where is cocamide DEA used?

Cocamide DEA is used in the production of a wide range of cleaning agents. These include primarily:

• liquid soaps and shower gels,
• shampoos,
• bath and body lotions,
• face care products and make-up removal treatments,
• sun creams,
• toothpastes,
• hair care cosmetics.

The compound is eagerly chosen due to its high efficiency at very low concentration.

Is DEA cocamide harmful?

As in the case of many other substances added to cosmetics, its concentration is decisive for the harmfulness of cocamide. It has been established that the permissible content of cocamide DEA in cosmetics should not exceed 0.5%.

However, pay attention to whether the manufacturer does not use it in cosmetic preparations intended for washing and care of children whose skin and hydrolipid barrier is not yet fully formed. Women during lactation and pregnancy should also be careful with the ingredient.

Although this ingredient is not considered to be highly irritating, people who struggle with dermatological problems (e.g. atopic skin, psoriasis, pruritus) should avoid it. In their case, severe allergic reactions, irritation, rashes and redness of the skin may occur.

There is no clear evidence that cocamide DEA is harmful to the environment.

However, organizations evaluating the effectiveness and safety of cosmetics warn against a different type of threat, namely the excessive use of cosmetics containing diethylamine derivatives. It is especially about:

• lauric acid diethanolamide (lauramide DEA),
• soy acid diethanolamide (soyamide DEA),
• linoleic acid diethanolamide (linoleamide DEA),
• oleic acid diethylamide (oleamide DEA)

Of course, this group also includes cocamide DEA . What's the problem?

Why is diethylamine harmful?

It turns out that the DEA contained in synthetic compounds has a strong carcinogenic potential. How is this possible?

Through the reaction between DEA and nitrogen compounds contained in cosmetics (e.g. ammonium compounds contained in hair dyes and disinfectants), nitrosamines are formed.

Nitrosamines are organic compounds, nitroso derivatives of amines. They are mutagenic, teratogenic and embryotoxic. In case of contact with the fetus, they may lead to the appearance or aggravation of developmental defects.

The efficiency of reactions involving nitrosamines is influenced by:

• concentration of individual substances involved in the reaction,
• amine reaction,
• environmental pH,

Acting completely unconsciously, you can do a lot of damage to your body!

How to take care of your health?

If you want to avoid the use of cocamide DEA or other potentially harmful ingredients that are found in cosmetics, you can start choosing organic cosmetic products. They are based solely on ingredients of natural origin, among which the following prevail:

• essential oils and their fractions,
• vegetable oils, fats and wax,
• herbal and flower extracts,
• inorganic salts and oxides obtained from naturally occurring minerals,
• products of animal origin (e.g. honey, propolis, royal jelly).

How to recognize that there are substances in cosmetics that should be avoided? Read labels carefully and pay attention to the presence of ingredients such as:

• formaldehyde or formalin,
• preservatives (e.g. triclosan, chlorhexidine, hydroxyethanol),
• parabens (e.g. methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben),
• paraffin-like substances (e.g. mineral oil, refined natural wax, aliphatic hydrocarbons),
• SLS and SLES,
• polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Of course, their addition will make the use of cosmetic products pleasant and comfortable, but unfortunately - not necessarily healthy. Remember that many changes take place in the body over the years, and the harmful effects of synthetic substances will not immediately manifest themselves as a serious disease.

If you want to choose cosmetics with synthetic additives, be sure to check if they are of pharmaceutical quality.

Choose cosmetics certified by such independent bodies as Cosmebio, BDIH, Soil Association or ICEA. It is a guarantee that a given product has been tested for potential harmfulness.

Where to buy ingredients for cosmetics or detergents?

If you want to start producing cosmetics for your own use or are planning to start a business with such a profile, you must ensure the highest quality of raw materials. Check Distripark's offer and choose from a wide range of cosmetic ingredients of pharmaceutical quality.

We guarantee attractive prices, fast and convenient delivery and numerous promotions for regular customers. See for yourself that even synthetic cosmetics can be safe if they are well composed.